Overcrowded shrubs raised beds

[emilyharris]

Hi there

I'm very new (but overly enthusiastic) to gardening. We had raised beds added two years ago, and in my haste, excitement and lack of knowledge we purchased too many small shrubs for the space. They have obviously increased dramatically in size and my initial oversight means that they are now all crowded in and just look silly.

My question is, can I move some them to the front of the house to create more space? And if so, how and when is best? There's a European fan palm hidden amongst the bushes and a hydrangea I don't want to damage in our efforts/inexperience.

Any advice hugely appreciated (I will absolutely research my decisions more carefully next time/use some common sense!!)

I've included a few pictures. The ones I'm interested in moving are the heavenly bamboo, maybe the fushchia, and maybe the Laurustinus

Thanks so much
Emily

 

[Sheal]

Welcome Emily.

The Nandina Domesticus (Heavenly Bamboo) would be best left until autumn to move. The Fuschia in winter when it's dormant and the Viburnum Tinus (Laurustinus) after it's finished flowering in late winter/early spring.

 

[emilyharris]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it. Is it worth pruning them? I understand there is a right time of year to prune, I just find the online guidance a little mixed and as I'm so new to this I'm worried I'll get it wrong!

 

[Sheal]

You're welcome. If you intend to leave them where they are then yes, there's no reason why you shouldn't prune them. The guide line for pruning would be the same as moving them though. If you intend to prune them after moving then that can be done at the same time.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

A general rule of thumb with flowering shrubs is to prune when they have finished flowering.
Try taking some cuttings before you move things, the fuscia should take easily, I am not sure about the others. There is little to lose and if they take it is an insurance, if the plant survives the move you also have a nice plant to give away.

 

[emilyharris]

Thanks so much for your advice, cuttings is a great idea