Topic: Best Method of Attack!

[Emagggie]

This is my Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Column'. Looking closely it doesn't have much lush growth from the main stem- everything is very leggy and sparse whereas all other growth is bushy and full of promise.It has been in 2 years, and has had very few berries.I'm not sure what to do for the best. Should I remove the main stem and hope that another will take over? I feel it is a bit drastic but I want it to look better than this. Can anyone help please?

[Tee Gee]

Normaly Pyracantha only require tidying up rather than severe pruning as this may stop it fruiting altogether.

So rather than being  too drastic why not tip prune it to a nicer shape and perhaps this will encourage the plant to put out secondary growths which should fill the gaps, then in the fullness of time it might fruit again.

[isbister]

Personally I'd clip it ruthlessly into a defined shape - it's the only thing pyracantha understand...

[Emagggie]

Thanks both. I'll have another look tomorrow with secateurs in hand.

[Bryan]

Emaggie,
looking at the picture, it doesn't resemble a column at all.
I suspect that the "bushy" growth towards the bottom has grown in a manner as does basal growth on many a plant. I would thin this out and tidy the upper growth, not with drastic pruning as you mentioned, but to make it look more columnal, if this makes sense.
With the lower growth as it is, the plant is concentrating most of its energy into that part of the plant, so by thinning it, it should give the same amount of energy all over.
Good luck, and i would be interested to know how you get on.

[Emagggie]

Thanks Bryan, will bear that in mind.

[teresa]

I had long leggy growths on my yellow one I cut them back by half way and it bushed out fine. I know they are hardy but some home made compost or farmyard manure may help your plants growth ?
Dont forget the cuttings will make new plants?

[Emagggie]

Ha, Daughter 1's tiny garden comes to mind. Glad to have that info teresa.

[GRACELAND]

Cut Back too hard no berries ,, But it will again the year after so if it needs a good cut do it and lose the berries this year give a good feed it should bounce back but use GLOVES  :o ;D

[Emagggie]

The deed is done. Glad to know all is not lost, Graceland.
Thanks all for your good advice.