Guess the bush!

mariauk

Hi

Could anyone tell me what this could be as I need to dig it up and put it on freecycle and don`t have a clue what it is




Also this will have to go eventually and again I haven`t a clue






Thanks in advance

Maria

tanith

The first bush is an Hydranga and the other is Lavatera...... not sure the Lavatara would survive digging up and moving... good luck...

mariauk

Oh brilliant, Thanks ever so much Tanith: A Does the Lavatera flower? It is there as a deterent at the moment but if it isn`t going to survive I may just leave it, Thanks again.

Maria

tanith

Yes it does have a very pretty pink or white flower in early summer I had one in the front but sadly it died.... It looks quite an well established and although not an expert by any means I don't think it will transplant to be honest

mariauk

I have just done a bit of research and it looks like it will have to stay put, its more like a tree than anything else but the flowers look really pretty. I think the Hydrangea has to go :eek:

kippers

Hi

Lavateria can be invasive and grow quite big if you don't prune it back. However, if you do prune it back a little each year it can be a really beautiful bush with lovely pinky/ purple flowers...id keep it if i were you.

mariauk

Thanks Kippers. It is more like a small tree that is leaning over the fence into next doors garden :eek: Could I prune it back a bit now and if so, how much do I chop off? I am really sorry for not having a clue I am 43 and have just got my very first [STRIKE]Garden [/STRIKE] back yard

DKLS

Lavatera are easy to get out, not much digging required, can look beautiful, but little or no scent. Was hugely fashionable i the mid 80s.

kippers

Yes now is a good time to prune as you live in London. My book says you can prune right down to 1 foot from the ground but i think this is a bit excessive. I would prune down to the height you want this year and each year to keep the shape you want.

Hope this helps

mariauk

Thanks to you both, I`m going to go shopping tomorrow, so will pick up some pruning tools :T

ampersand

mariauk wrote: »

Thanks to you both, I`m going to go shopping tomorrow, so will pick up some pruning tools :T

As above mariauk -I realise you're filled with 1st-time fervour, but do try Freecycle. We are moneysavers on here, remember.
(Lavatera's a weed where I'm from)