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#64185 September 8th, 2006 at 11:10 PM
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Hello All!!! wavey


I was wondering if anyone out there could tell me when , and how severely to prune a cottage mallow (lavatera) bush? It is a beautiful little bush with pink flowers in the Hollyhock family. It is getting "leggy" and I would like it to be fuller and healthier, as the weight of the branches is weighing heavily on it and it is starting to droop! frown Any help would be fantastic! grinnnn

Thanks in Advance!
HOLLYHOCKGIRL

#64186 September 9th, 2006 at 02:40 AM
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From the Monrovia website re: BUSH MALLOW, Lavatera maritima:

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a formal appearance, shear annually after flowering.

#64187 September 9th, 2006 at 05:15 AM
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Hello Tulsa rose, wavey

Thank you for the information! I was wondering...this is the first year I have had to prune...I have a container garden...was wondering...are there any rules as to how much you cut off of a plant or bush annually? Duh I am sure it will recover either way...but since plants are so sensetive, I don't want to cause undue stress before winter and we have very wet winters here in zone 8. Duh

Thanks Again...I will add that website to my favs.!!!

CHEERS!!! grinnnn
HOLLYHOCKGIRL

#64188 September 9th, 2006 at 04:43 PM
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I wouldn't prune it more than a third of its growth at this point. They are in the same family as rose of Sharon and I only prune my young ROS for shape the first couple of years. After that, I hard-prune in early spring and the result is a much more compact shrub and tons of blooms. wink

Do you plan to keep it in a container outside over winter? I've been able to successfully overwinter cuttings in large containers in a protected, sunny bed and then plant them out the following spring.

#64189 September 10th, 2006 at 12:25 AM
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Thanks Tulsa rose!!! wavey

Thanks so much for telling me about your pruning style and schedule...this is the first time I have had to do this to my "garden babies" and it makes me nervous!!! wavey
Cheers!
HOLLYHOCKGIRL

#64190 September 10th, 2006 at 06:28 PM
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What is your gardening zone? It would help to have that info in your signature. wink

#64191 September 11th, 2006 at 10:43 AM
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Hello Tulsa rose,

I am in zone 7-8...we have a micro-climate here...so it varies.

Thanks Again!!!
HOLLYHOCKGIRL


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