Evergreen shrub, Garrya elliptica with catkins
Garrya eliptica is one of those shrubs that rarely - if ever - need pruning. However, if the need arises, there is a time and method that should be noted to ensure continuing crops of drooping tassels that this shrub is grown for.
Garrya eliptica is best grown against a wall or sturdy fence, so can over time be a bit overbearing - Something that should be borne in mind at planting or design time, for it rarely responds in the normal manner when the secateurs are used.
As well as being suitable as a wall shrub, it is quite spectacular as a large stand alone specimen shrub. I this case there are several ways in which it can be trained and pruned.
I all cases of pruning your Garrya - the early spring is best - as soon as the silk tassel flowers have become unsightly! This alone is a good reason for a light trim, for it does tend to look a little messy right after flowering - before the new foliage starts to emerge.