Sambucus nigra- too late to prune?

[Koulibiak]

I foolishly did not prune my Sambucus nigra black lace hard enough in early spring. Now it’s turning into a sprawling, shooting monster. I know the advice is to prune in late autumn or early spring, but can I still cut a few branches to shape it and stop it invading a whole border?

I think you can do the 'Chelsea Chop' technique on Sambucus nigra - ie cutting back at around the time of the Chelsea Flower show.

@BeNiceWhenItsFinished thank you, I will do that <sharpens secateurs>

Yes, Chelsea chop. It’ll be fine.

TBH- I didn't know they needed pruning! 😬

I have 2, which are fairly small and in pots. They are currently in flower, so I assume they are happy. (Note to self to remind myself to prune them next year!)

@JDM625 be aware that pruning can be at the expense of flowers. So I wouldn’t prune if it doesn’t need it. Mine just seems a bit too happy in its spot, it’s put on huge growth in the last couple of months and I have other plants and shrubs nearby that are getting squished.