By Rob76
London,
United Kingdom 
How do I rejuvenate an old ceanothus bush?
We've had it about 15 years, and these days it looks tired and dull (and it's too big.) Can I prune it back to grow afresh, or would that kill it? If I can, then what time of year would be best?
30 Jul, 2010
Answers
if it has special memories take several cuttings now and then reduce the shrub in the autumn.
mine didnt mind this when i did it 7yrs ago. it died in the harsh winter this year sadly.
30 Jul, 2010
Taking cuttings now is a great idea as Sbg says.
30 Jul, 2010
Thanks Fractal and Sbg. That's great!
31 Jul, 2010
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They don't really appreciate hard pruning Rob but I would say give it a go as you have nothing to lose. Do this in spring (March) next year and if it grows, well that's good. If not, think of it as an opportunity to replant with either a replacement Ceanothus or something else.
30 Jul, 2010