How do i tackle this shrub

[Kay 3,709]

 

I need to reduce its size as its gone beserk but i dont want to kill it or move it, so can anyone point me in the right direction on how to cut it back without hacking it to death

 

Thanks

[Guest JDF]

the leaves grow out from the central stalk,simply pull them off to thin it out.the dead ones will come away much easier,thinning those out can make a difference,personally though i would get a spade and dig the hateful things out

[Kay 3,709]

My husband wants to dig it out but i dont want him to as i like it, so i will thin out from the outside as best as i can

 

Thanks for the reply

[skycat 6,173]

I'm a bit of a haphazard gardener: but if it is a type of grass then you can cut it down to ground level and it will grow again: same as papyrus and the like. Nearly all grasses and shrubs love a good hacking: err, I think they call it 'pruning'..........makes them grow twice as well: just lop it all off: if it doesn't grow again you can always blame the person who gave you the advice.

[T.F.Student 0]

I used to have one of those myself...it just grew and grew...so i chopped all the leaves...dug it out and threw it on a banking...where unfortunately it is very happy and growing well things you want just give up the ghost and stuff you don't thrive...such is gardening

[Kay 3,709]

I remember planting 2 Russian vines once they took the garden over in a few months& i had hell of a game getting them out

 

I would love a tree fern though

[Guest craftycarper]

brushcutter

[shepp 2,285]

Russian vines should be banned, i planted a couple once to cover a fence, big mistake.

It will cover even tall trees once it gets hold.

[mole trapper 1,693]

Quick note from FPO - Ok so it looks like a phormium (almost like giant grass!!) It can be dug up and split quite happily, or individual blades removed. Yep I believe it can also be taken back to almost ground level and should re shoot, however severe frost could kill it!

 

MT suggest petrol and a box of matches!!

[Kay 3,709]

Quick note from FPO - Ok so it looks like a phormium (almost like giant grass!!) It can be dug up and split quite happily, or individual blades removed. Yep I believe it can also be taken back to almost ground level and should re shoot, however severe frost could kill it!

 

MT suggest petrol and a box of matches!!

 

My husband is also with the box of matches & petrol school of thought

[spade 224]

It's a Phormium or New Zealand Flax. You should prune it in spring beacause it can be damaged by frost. Basically cut back any dead or unwanted stems as far as you can. Wear gloves etc when you do it. Those leaves are razor sharp.

[Kay 3,709]

It's a Phormium or New Zealand Flax. You should prune it in spring beacause it can be damaged by frost. Basically cut back any dead or unwanted stems as far as you can. Wear gloves etc when you do it. Those leaves are razor sharp.

 

Thanks for the replys folks

[Guest bullterrier]

wait until winter dig it up and cut it in to four then replant them now you four new plants ...john

[Kay 3,709]

wait until winter dig it up and cut it in to four then replant them now you four new plants ...john

 

I might get my husband to split it into 2 then my mother can have one & that can grow like wildfire & piss her off as well

[mad al 146]

Kay, you can do what you want to it , it's there to stay, we've a shed load of 'em ....................Al. don't turn your back on the buggers tho',

 

Al