Though I recommend rejuvenation pruning on a regular basis, I would never do so for such a mature specimen. The older the plant is, the more difficult it is to recover from a rejuvenation pruning. It 's stressful enough for a vigorous, young plant. I would give this plant no guarantee, but hope for the best. Just as we measly humans find it more difficult to recover from a traumatic injury as we age...so do plants (and other living things) . I hope that she makes it crystal clear to the handy man that she is terribly upset. She should also make it perfectly understood that the pruning of ANYthing is not acceptible without specific instructions on a plant-per-plant basis.

i am no Philadelphius expert .... but in general with big shrubs .... i can offer the following.. since no one has answered ... pruning off the tips.. will probably take off next years flowers .... and only make it more wilder at the top ... i would treat it as i would a lilac/weigela/spirea .... i would go into the heart of the bush .. and remove the three biggest limbs in the center.. as close to the ground as possible .... next spring i would do the same ... and next fall the same .... as you remove the large branches.. new leaders will start emerging .. and the plant will diminish in size ... you will need to do this every year .. forever ... doing it this way .. leaves branches for next years flowers.. i do NOT know if it a plant that can just be cut to the ground.. and recover .... and i don't know how aggressive you can be .... nor the proper timing ... but bottom line.. GET MAD AT IT ... and teach it a lesson .. lol ... i doubt you can harm a monster like that in the long run .... thought googling Philadelphius or even better the proper spelling.. lol ... may give you better info ... i love to be corrected when i am wrong... good luck .. now go teach it a lesson ... Ken

Hello Everyone, Sorry to get back to the party late!!! : ) I have been out working and the days get longer after being on vacation!!! Especially when one works a 12 hr day!!! Yikes, it gets hard to adjust back into the swing of things!!! Mike, I do use the Gritty Mix on my Citrus, C & S and most of all my young Plumeria as well as my DR's. Using this mix has really allowed me to become relaxed at watering without the fear of over watering. Some of you know that i travel for my job which takes me away for several days at a time. I may have a trip that last for 4 days. Before i leave on a trip that long i always make sure my trees are watered and when i return i water again when i get home. When i do have multiple days off, i have just used the same method that Josh uses and i know what the containers feel like and how the foliage looks. Usually, i will wait for a couple of days after i water and then check my plants visually and also check them by feeling the mix as well as lifting the pot to feel how it weighs . Sounds funny, but i do know what each one should feel like with the proper amount of moisture. Even if i want to give them more, i really dont worry because i know that they wont have excess water retention in the containers with this particular mix. My pots are lifted and when i water, i water a little and then while im watering other plants i go back and give them a little more. The excess water does drain out into a plastic plate which the containers are setting on plastic water caps. I use four per container. The excess water stays in the plates and i let it evaporate in the plates. I had every intention of using the Skewers at first, but i never really needed them. Some use them and i think its a great tool to use to see if your trees are dry or moist. My trees (Plumeria) have different watering needs. So as i look over my plants and trees everyday, i feel them and check them as i make the inspection..lol It is a relaxing way for me to unwind when i get home from work. You know how it can be crazy at work for me!!! : ) I just dont worry anymore about watering them. They usually get watered every two days, but some are different. I have a few trees that like to be watered everyother day. Some are watered every four days.. some weekly. It is like they all have different personalities!!! The Plumeria get watered if active this time of year maybe every other week. It is all about the individual plants and their needs. Hope this makes sense!!! Josh, Thanks for your watering techniques...it sounds like we water the same way!!! I really think one becomes aware what the plant or tree needs. I always check on the trees that like alot of water first. This does include my Citrus and my special other trees. Hope all is well in CA!!! Cant wait to see pics of your Ponderosa Lemon!!! I will prune the top of my tree this spring. : ) Toni, Thank you for the nice compliments on my trees. I cant believe how many blooms i have on the Murraya Paniculata either!! It really has put on a show for me and it has all sorts of pods growing.. The Varigated Maya is doing great... Im so excited about this Plumeria. Remember when you asked me about whether i had a Varigated one or not? Well, my girlfriend had purchased one for me before then and had it sent to her house to give to me for CHristmas!!! I was so surprised!!! This is my first Varigated Plumeria and i am really happy with this one!!! The leaves are so beautiful when they appear, they have this pink hue that i cant stop staring at them. I just need to watch being a "mother hen" on this particulat tree and leave it alone!!! : ) I hope you had a wonderful New Year and that everyone continues to stay healthy and happy!!! Think Spring!! I hope this helps MIke... Take care and tell Sissy hello for me!!! I will send Greg an email to see about his tree... Take care, Laura

Hi CR, We live in a 1750's property and we have quite a large and beautiful mockorange thicket although I doubt that its as old as the house. We can't wait for the fragrance every spring. The shrub self propagates very easily by seed, and if you'd send me a SASE, I'd be happy to collect seed for you. Our soil is very humusey and seeds that fall on the soil usually sprout if I can keep the english ivy under control. Seedlings are super easy to ID....... the leaves are sawtoothed just like their parents. You can email me at mstadulis@comcast.net Michael