Grow Your Own Magazine

I was given a small lilac and two hisbiscuses today because my neighbour was digging them out - have put them in my garden and cut them back a little - should i be pruning them right back?

I think you should be OK, as the shrubs are dropping/have dropped their leaves already for this year, so the growth can be concentrated in the roots.

Don't forget to water them, sometimes we get very dry winters and the shrubs will need some help. Good luck!