At the end of April I hard pruned the Camellia x williamsii ‘E.G.Waterhouse’ that was starting to become leggy and showing signs that it was at risk of splitting the main trunk – especially when in full bloom.

So while there were still plenty of flowers on the shrub I “Hat racked” pruned the branches back to the main stem.

It went from a colourful pink and green plant, to a woody trunk – kind of scary!

Since then the shrub has responded and I'm pleased to announce that just over 3 months later there is plenty of new growth sprouting from the branches.

Next year I will thin the new shoots. The year after I will be admiring (and showing!) the flowers. 

Sometimes you really do have to be cruel to be kind.