to trim or not to trim...

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kyackel Minneapolis, MN Jun 19, 2009

selections of this bush have turned brown. they have been this way for a year. should i cut back the "dead" sections or leave alone?
do you know what kind it is?

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Post #6711017
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gardening_momma southwest, OH Jun 19, 2009

Boxwood?

I had some bushes that I cut waaay back last fall (not boxwood), planning to take them out completely eventually. I only left about 18" - 24", and just the thickest branches. I did dig one out, and replanted something else. One of the ones I cut back was a pretty one, but about half of it was dead.

To my surprise, both of the remaining bushes (2/3) came back this spring. The one that was half dead shows no signs of any problems, and looks beautiful. The other one is huge, at least 6 ft. tall, all of that is this season (I'm going to get rid of that one--it's just too rambunctious to have in front of a window).

This message was edited Jun 19, 2009 3:39 PM

Post #6711571
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XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Jun 23, 2009

Dead leaves and unhealthy growth consumes plant's energy, it attracts pests and diseases, and it's unsightly. There are some plants that flower on last years growth and sometimes it will appear 'dead'. I would get an ID for your plant and if it's not necessary to keep the old growth, I would cut it back. (It does look like it's really dead)

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