Thanks for the question. The short answer is yes it will tolerate a good hard pruning. A shrub’s response to pruning is to grow new shoots!

Thanks for including the photo. That is a very old, mature shrub! Normally pruning an overgrown is to completely remove 1/3 of the biggest stems at ground level. This shrub looks more like a multi stemmed tree so removing 1/3 of the stems may leave a lopsided mess. I suggest that you trim it more like a tree and cut out those branches that are too tall or too asymmetrical to your liking. In other words, don’t cut everything down to a set height but cut out branch by branch to make it look more attractive.

You won’t kill it so prune out up to 1/3 of it until it looks good. If you find that more than 1/3 removed will look even better, then cut off some more next year.

Late winter is the best time to prune because you can see into the center to identify what you are cutting.

Please respond directly here if you have further questions.

Paul -Tree Care Advisor volunteer