I usually wait until I see new growth. This gives me an idea as to where pruning should occur. They're such prolific growers you could cut back hard without any noticeable difference.

Cheers, Barrie.

Thanks, Barrie.

I'm going to enjoy the seed pods for another week or so, and have at it with the loppers. There are fewer new shoots than I thought, but I think I'll still go ahead.

By the way, we were able to over-winter castor bean plants this year, after cutting them back in late January. They're so full and bush right now, they're starting to scare me!

Anyone have trouble with Melianthus attracting whiteflies? We've now lost two plants to them -- they were uncontrollable even with daily spraying with either pesticide, soap and water, hosing off, etc. They love our soil and climate but we can't keep the whiteflies off.

kerrican2001

Trouble free up our way. No pests at all on our Melianthus villlosus or M. major.

Cheers, Barrie.