Spring shrub pruning

Cut back now for neatness and productivity

- Ruth Hayes

Tackling our pheasant berry and St John's Wort in the 'wildlife' corner of the garden

HAVING been caught out by the bitterly cold weather of April 2021, I've been holding back from one or two bits of spring pruning.

But now conditions are improving, I've bitten the bullet and taken my secateurs to my Pheasant berry (Leycesteria formosa), St John's Wort (Hypericum 'Hidcote') and hydrangea.

They all have slightly different pruning requirements, but the end result should be pleasingly compact shrubs laden with flowers and berries in season.

Pheasant berry flowers are eye-catching

Pheasant berry, also known as Himalayan honeysuckle, is an attractive addition. Fast-growing, it can become leggy if left untended, but if you keep it in check you will have a plant with pendulous maroon and white flowers that are followed by dark purple/brown berries that birds love (hence the name).

Prune Hypericum for improved flowering