Question
I have had a Radermachera Sinica for about 5 years. I take it in during the long northern Illinois winters and bring it outside for the summer.  It's now kind of long and leggy.  The crown is lovely but the bottom branches tend to die and fall off.  If I cut it down will it sprout new growth from the root?  If so, is there a best time of year to do this?  I appreciate your taking the time to answer this for me, if you can.
Leslie

Answer
Leslie,

In nature where it can stay outdoors in the ground all year it becomes a 30 foot tall tree, so loosing it's lower branches is in it's nature. You can cut it back and it will sprout out new growth a bit lower but it cannot be cut down to the root. You might feel better about it if you look at it as a lovely small tree such as a ficus tree.
You are doing well to keep it going this long, they are rather touchy and frequently short lived. Good luck.

Darlene