Pruning an old Myrtus communis

Question

PP

Pruning an old Myrtus communis

by

Philip Payne

8 years ago

2

I have a Myrtus communis that is over 3 metre wide with a lovely dome shape. Unfortunately, it has split at a 'V' joint in the branches right in the centre of the shrub; without them, it will leave a large hole and lose half the shrub.

I will attempt to brace using a tree stake and cable the branches to stop them from splitting right apart. However, if I prune hard next spring in April/May to a bud just below the damage will a mature Myrtle regrow from old wood?

Many thanks

Phil

Andy McIndoe · Answer 1 · 8th August 2016, 11:58:46

Hi Phil - How frustrating! Its such a lovely plant too. I would do just the same thing in trying to brace it and support it at this stage. Mytus will usually sprout from the old wood if you cut back next spring. You can help those dormant buds to grow by watering over the cut stem with a seaweed growth stimulant. This can really help old wood to produce new shoots.

Elspeth Briscoe · Answer 2 · 9th August 2016, 18:40:17

Thanks Andy. Andy McIndoe is one of our tutors at MyGardenSchool, acclaimed author & record holder at The Chelsea Flower Show for consecutive gold medals..

Pruning an old Myrtus communis

Pruning an old Myrtus communis

Philip Payne

Shrubs

Choosing, planting and pruning shrubs

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