Q.Ceanothus – vertical – training
I have a postage stamp of a garden. I bought a vertical ceanothus as I love it, but rather than buy a very bushy one (which I had in my previous garden). I bought a vertical one without thinking too much. I did not expect such quick growth in one season (now 4 feet) and I now want to train it to keep to the wall which it is just in front of (by 18 to 24 inches). I am not a gardener, know nothing about training or pruning. Please can you help (nontechnical jargon) about what to do. Can I simply tie it to fence (bending it in the process) and hoping it will correct it’s vertical growth – or what?
It is Ceanothus Pugets Blue
Thanks for comprehensive advice. That makes sense. With respect to the very top - it seems there is one central stem. Should I just cut off the growing top of that (i.e. an inch) of prune it a bit more?
It is not easy to give a pruning lesson in few words. Yes you can tie it too the wall but I don't recommend putting too much tension on the stem or it could break. Just support it and be sure the wrap on the stem is not too tight around it or you could "girdle" or "ring-bark" the stem.
Shape it lightly, not too severe, by shortening the longest growth that is growing in the direction you don't want. Shape the top down by a few inches, to suppress the vertical growth.
Consider hiring a professional or inviting an experienced gardener friend to tea, to help you and give you a few tips.
