..... I dont want to kill it.... Can anybody tell me what this plant is I guessed some kind of buddlieja, but then someone told me it was a variety of lilac but the leaves just don't seem to be similar to other lilacs. Maybe then I can ask how to keep it trimmed without killing it, it seems to be quite an old plant, and has spread about 1.5 meters/1 meter high. Lovely flowering in spring and again in summer. Thanks for any suggestions!
Welcome Angela66. Looks like a Hebe.There are many different named cultivars. http://images.google.com/images?hl=..._en-GB&q=hebe shrub&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Thank you silver surfer, I've just checked and you are right. (My problem was I was using an online plant identifier with search criteria, which is only as good as the person entering correct fields - hence it kept suggesting I had a succession of hostas!) Now we have identification out of the way, is there a recommended way to trim this/encourage renewed growth for next spring? (I have cut away some obviously dead and withered branches at the back but nothing else). Thanks for suggestions
Wait until winter is over, when you can probably get away with cutting it back hard to renew it. Search internet for "hebe pruning", look in printed pruning guides for particulars and fine points. Brickell/Joyce, RHS Guide to Pruning & Training is a good one. Also Brown/Kirkham, Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.
