Marianne's Response

Golden Chain

A friend had given me, several years ago, a small golden chain. It has been in a pot for a couple of years and I decided to plant it as it was getting so tall. Now it is growing taller but not fatter. I have it staked but it is about 5/6 feet tall. Now the top is just hanging over. Can I snip out the top?

Posted by denise boroughs on September 28, 2020

Marianne's Response

Yes! I had to do this to my own Golden Chain tree and it improved the shape immensely. Wait until spring as pruning always stimulates growth. New side shoots will appear but the main trunk will be shorter and more easily able to support the new growth. This flowering tree can also be trained to grow over archways to create a tunnel of golden chains dangling from the support structure. It is a common training technique in English gardens. Look up the English garden of Rosemary Verey to see photos of her spectacular golden chain tunnel. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti