New Zealand Tea Tree, New Zealand Tea Bush, Manuka

What is the recommended pruning on this plant? Can it be hard pruned to reduce size or will that cause damage. When is the best time to prune for size? Thanks so much.

If you trim this bush, it will take on a hedge-like structure. I have seen them used for topiary. I like a more free-form structure. When a branch gets too long -- way outside the growing area, I thin it out by completely removing it from the branch or trunk it started from.

In addition to the Fall, now (January) is a good time to fertilize these plants. Take it easy on the bloom formula, they don't like phosphorus all that much. A Citrus/Avocado or tropical fruit tree formula works great.