Cutting back a pyracantha?

Question

I've got a hideously neglected 10 year old pyracantha in my garden. I've just got rid of a shrub next to it which was obviously supporting the poor thing, it is about nine feet high with enormous offshooting branches and now teetering over my garden path. Obviously as it is a really thorny plant I am fearing for my family's safety...

If I cut it back to the base will it regrow? Or where shall I cut it back to? How long will it take?

Step by step, please, as I am a "hack and you will die" type pruner!

Also, am I correct in thinking that I should wait until it is out of flower to attempt any pruning?

Thank you kindly!

Answer 1

Pyracantha is in the rose family...but unlike its more tender cousin the common garden rose it can be pruned very hard and will adapt....



You can prune them into topiaries and shape them as you wish....but remember this basic rule of pruning....you should ONLY cut off 1/3 of a plant in one cutting(one season)at once..and if you cut it back at the ground you will more than likely kill it.....you can safely prune the new growth each year back to 3-4 inches and 3-4 more inches in the fall(this will insure flower and fruit formation)



All that said......I would try and cut it back to around half of where you want it to be this fall and hope for the best....if it dies ....then so be it...if it lives ....follow my above instructions..



Good Luck!

Answer 2

You have a few options.

1st - You can take a hedge trimmer to the outside part and cut off all the off-shooting branches so they are in line with the rest of the plant. Then, you can take pruners (the big snippers) and cut out some big branches so it is thinned a bit. You can prune them whenever you want regardless of flowering.



2nd option - (My favorite) Chainsaw it down., then dig up as much as you can - you may need big equipment for this. They harbor all kinds of diseases which can spread to the rest of your garden - especially trees and kill things off. They have a very weak structure and last 10 - 15 years tops before succumbing to nature and disease.



If you decide to cut it to the base, yes it will re-grow. It will take 2-3 years to have a sizable plant again - depending on your winters and drought conditions.

Answer 3

You can cut it back but it will take a couple off growing seasons for it to start growing strong. When you prune it it wants to be cut to no lower than 3ft and leave a few low whispy branches and you can train them where you want to go. Pyracantha doesnt mind a hard pruning. You can prune it now whether the flowers are out or not. Remember to prune to a bud (approx 2cm above).

Answer 4

I would recommend a 3-year process, cut the plant back by 50% this year, and reduce it again by 50% next spring. The third year selectively prune out the older branches, allowing the young ones to grow in.



Pyracantha is part of the rose/ apple family (Rosaceae), closely allied to pears (Pyrus). It is prone to a disease called fireblight. Sterilize your pruning shears before you start the job, and after you're finished. You can use rubbing alcohol or bleach. Fertilize the shrub every year (as directed by the fertilizer package of your choosing).



Pyracantha is a lovely shrub. I'd rather try to regenerate the plant, than destroy it and start over.



Good luck-

I hope that this helps

Answer 5

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RE:

Cutting back a pyracantha?

I've got a hideously neglected 10 year old pyracantha in my garden. I've just got rid of a shrub next to it which was obviously supporting the poor thing, it is about nine feet high with enormous offshooting branches and now teetering over my garden path. Obviously as it is a really...

Answer 6

Pruning Pyracantha

Answer 7

If your going to attempt drastic pruning then now would be ok. My advice would be to cut it to within 12-18 inches of the base. It should grow 3-4ft this year, depends how strong a plant it is.Restrict it with a trim when needed. wear stout gloves & beware of the thorns!!!

Answer 8

Don't worry to much about the pyracantha, if its like you say cut it back to the size you require, it wont do it any harm. Prune as hard or as gentle as you like.

Watch your fingers.

Answer 9

it will take years to regrow, i would get rid of it and plant a more family friendly shrub, try pieris or lonicera for nice shrub.