| Even though this plant grows to six feet wide, is it possible to trim the plant to keep its width around three feet. If so, what time of year would be best to shape the plant. |
| These plants grow somewhat slowly so it is possible to trim them back although eventually this may be more trouble than it is worth. You will want to avoid that straight-lined crewcut look and maintain the natural shape of the growth, in part to keep the plant healthy and in part for esthetics. Thin some of the largest branches by cutting them back all the way to the "trunk". Be sure to cut just outside the natural swelling on the trunk at the base of the branch, or the the branch collar. Cut without leaving a stub, but without damaging the collar. Other longer branch tips can be cut back by about one-third but cut just outside a smaller branch leading in the direction you would like it to grow next. Don't prune too drastically though--you should remove no more than 1/4 the volume of the shrub a time, so it will take regular pruning to control the size. |
