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Pruning elaeagnus

Pruning elaeagnus

Question from Shoot User
5915 2
We have had this shrub in our front garden for at least 15 years and it is now over 6 ft tall and about the same width. It is losing some of the variegation on its leaves. I am wondering when to prune, and how vigorous I can be. I would really like to take at least a foot off all round, but fear this will leave me with little foliage. Can you advise please?
Posted: Friday 25th of February 2011 03:52 PM

  • Re: Pruning elaeagnus

    Valerie Munro
    Eleagnus is such a beautiful plant, especially with the cultivars that have such wonderful variegation. Unfortunately, what can happen over time is that it tends to push out all-green shoots which, if you leave them on the plant, then whole plant could revert back to being all green.

    To start with, try and remove all of the complete stems that have turned green. Cut them off at the point where the reversion starts. Inevitably this might reduce the plant quite considerably. But have courage, you can then shorten all other variegated stems to neaten the shape.

    However, I think that I would wait for a week or two before resorting to this 'surgery', and don't forget to feed and water well to help it recover from the 'shock'. As the weather warms up, you will be amazed at how quickly new growth will begin.

    Good luck
    Auntie Planty
    www.auntieplanty.com
    Replied: Saturday 26th of February 2011 07:03 PM

    • Re: Re: Pruning elaeagnus

      Shoot User
      Great timing - I was just browsing "my plant list" and wondering exactly the same thing as Giles.
      Thank you Auntie Planty.
      Stephanie
      Replied: Saturday 5th of March 2011 10:23 AM

  • Time to prune?

    Gremlin
    Evergreens should, generally speaking, be pruned during periods of growth, i.e. from the beginning of May in UK. Elaeagnus is very hardy and will probably be ok pruned in spring, but I would wait until early summer. Pruning can continue until September - after this soft new growth can be killed by frosts.

    Forget-me-Not Garden Services
    Replied: Tuesday 20th of May 2014 10:07 AM
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