When a plant gets too big.

I only have a container garden and my Cordyline is as high as the fence now.
I hate the thought of chopping at it's lovely leaves but I don't want it to grow any bigger.

Does anybody else prune their Cordyline?

Re: When a plant gets too big.

No. I couldn't do it. The bigger the better I think. Why do you not want it to get bigger?

Re: When a plant gets too big.

I had one once, I cut it off then it sprouted again from the stem...

...at least I think it was a cordyline, don't try it unless you can check this out!

Re: When a plant gets too big.

Considering I've only got a small container garden I think the Cordyline is the perfect size now. (It's growing in a box) I'm not going to cut it until I know I can. I don't want to harm it.

If it was ok to prune it - when would be the best time to do it?

Re: When a plant gets too big.

How are you going to prune it?
If you cut the leaves they'll lose their points and it will look odd.
In the winter the bottom leaves go brown and you can pull them off, then you'll eventually get a lollypop shape.
If you keep it in a pot it will stunt the growth and stop it growing so big, but, it may burst the pot.
You could give it away or sell it and buy a smaller one. Some people like big plants.

Re: When a plant gets too big.

They had a couple here in the communal gardens when they got too big they were cut down to be honest they never looked right again and three years later they were removed and the area grassed.

Re: When a plant gets too big.

Oooo it does look impressive but I can see what you mean ... I think.

Could you raise the container a few feet ? so it would look more like a tree ... a bit like a tree fern (if you see what I mean)

Re: When a plant gets too big.

pruning cordylyne

Re: When a plant gets too big.

Doh! You'd think that she'd have taken the washing down for the photo. Still, at least there are no knickers flying there!

Re: When a plant gets too big.

LOL glad you said that first not me JBR I did think that but thought ...keep quiet..