Bird of Paradise Pruning

Question

My son just purchased a 60-year-old house with a very old Bird of Paradise that is about 5 feet tall and very brown and dry. Can it be cut back, and if so, how far can it be cut? Can it be cut almost to the ground? Should it be divided before or after pruning?

Answer 1

I would not cut it back by more than 1/3 a year, unless you are removing dead material. All dead material can be removed. It is easiest to prune before you divide.