How can you stop a creeping repens from growing vertically?
This plant will grow 18 to 24 inches in height and spread 3 to 4 feet wide.
Keep the plant pruned to control height if necessary.
I would like to know if the picture below is of a plant or weed. Can you assist?
It would appear you have a Mahonia plant or Oregon Grape Holly.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/mahonia/grape-holly-plant-care.htm
I didn't see anything mentioned in your article about when and how to prune mahonia. I have several that have grown in height but do not bush. And I see that certain mahonia species are are on the bad boy non-native list. I'll trust the local nursery can help me identify that. thanks again!
Generally little pruning is needed for this evergreen.
You can remove any dead, growing inward or branches that rub others.
After the the Mahonia is finished blooming,
prune any of these undesired branches back to the nearest joint or main branch.
Don't leave large stubs as this can cause disease.
Cut back the plants height or width by cutting the branches to the next joint or terminal.
Selectively select the cuts instead of topping the entire shrub.
Can I cut the top of this mahonia plant and plant the cutting in the garden?
Yes, Mahonia can be grown from cuttings. Semi-hardwood (also called semi-softwood) cuttings are best for Mahonia. These articles explain how to take the cuttings and root them, then plant them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/plant-propagation-by-stem-cuttings-instructions-for-the-home-gardener
http://hortupdate.unl.edu/Cuttings1
I hired, I thought, a professional to cut my Mahonia. It has been cut right down. It was very healthy but now I am left with stumps and a few bracts are trying to grow. Will it recover? It was 6 years old when hacked down. Is there anything I can do to help it to recover? Your advice would be appreciated.
An annual prune will do your Mahonia good. It will keep the plant to a reasonable size prevent crowding the centre. Mahonia can be pruned at any time of the year without damaging the plant. The best time however is soon after they finished flowering, generally March to April time.
Your shrub should recover.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/mahonia/grow
Hi, I have an area of my garden where Mahonias and Hostas really thrive but I’d like to plant something else in that area too. Please do you have any suggestions? The area is shady, always damp and does seem to drain. Afraid I don’t know what type of soil it is but area as a whole has a lot of clay. Thank you in advance.
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Sure! Here are some articles that will offer some suggestions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/discovering-the-benefits-of-shade-gardening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/shade-tolerant-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/finding-a-shade-loving-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/shade-plants-for-pollinators.htm
I want to separate and replant my grape holly. It's gorgeous but blocked by a fence...I can't dig it up, right? I'd need to find the root ball...but the ground is rock hard! Can I get cuttings to root?
Sure, cuttings will take just fine! Keep in mind- they do prefer to be cramped up and shaded by other trees, so where you intend to plant it needs to be out of direct sunlight for the most part.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/mahonia/grape-holly-plant-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/root-stimulating-hormone.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/honey-root-hormone.htm