Don’s Expert Answers: Can I prune my Brunfelsia Latifolia back to half it’s current height of 2 meters to promote a denser growth, at the moment it is very sparse in the leaf department

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Question From: 
Greg Edwards in  Wynnum,  Brisbane QLD

 

Nature of problem: 
Can I prune my Brunfelsia Latifolia back to half it’s current height of 2 meters to promote a denser growth, at the moment it is very sparse in the leaf department

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
Brunfelsia Latifolia

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
very sparse leaf growth and few flowers.

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
so called organic garden soil to which I have added bagged cow & sheep manure as well as dynamic lifter at various times.

 

How often do you water the plant:
at least weekly more if needed.

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
it is against a north facing fence but has some over hear protection

 

What type of plant is it:
Brunfelsia Latifolia

 

How long since you planted it:
at least 7 years

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
cow & sheep manure, dynamic lifter,pot ash ,seasol,charlie carp, and soil wetter with added seasol, rotated and applied every 3-4 weeks

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
outdoors

 

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground: 
ground

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
none other than stated above

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments:  Hi Greg,  Leave the poor bugger alone! Brunfelsias do very well in totally neglected gardens. Yes, prune it back then leave it alone! You are loving it to death…you are a HELICOPTER DAD.  Go to the beach or the RSL or to Mum & Dad’s.  Don

 

Answer: