Why is my clethra acting dead?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
sherriseden Bloomington, IN(Zone 6a) Apr 10, 2010

Can anyone tell me why my clethra alnifolia "Ruby Spice" appears dead? I put it in last year, it gets about 6 hours sun facing west, and I watered it about 3 times a week. It's supposed to be hardy to zone 3, I am in zone 5; it leafed and flowered beautifully - no pest or disease evident . . . but it has yet to show a swollen bud much less a leaf!! I'm not a new gardener and this has me puzzled!

Post #7694951
Quote
ladygardener1 Near Lake Erie, NW, PA(Zone 5a) Apr 10, 2010

They take time to wake up. Give it more time. I have 2 of them and they look dead too. Had them for at least 5 years.

Post #7695132
Quote
sherriseden Bloomington, IN(Zone 6a) Apr 10, 2010

Thank you, Ladygardener1!! I will be patient . . .

Post #7695472
Quote
ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Apr 10, 2010

Whenever you cannot possibly wait for the very-late-to-leaf out species (like Clethra, Gymnocladus, and Lagerstroemia) and you've convinced yourself that they are DEAD, give 'em a scratch.

The "scratch test" means taking a fingernail (or any sharp instrument) and scraping the bark on a small twig. If it appears green underneath, you have live tissue and you just need to calm down.

If it is brown/black and dry, well, maybe you were right and it IS dead.

Mostly (and moreso as you are northerly) you just need a patient attitude.

Post #7695586
Quote
victorgardener Lower Hudson Valley, NY(Zone 6b) Apr 10, 2010

Yes - they are very late to wake up.

(I have used the scratch test on relatives.)

Post #7695593
Quote
ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Apr 10, 2010

Yes - teenage boys often require this treatment.

Post #7695598
Quote
ladygardener1 Near Lake Erie, NW, PA(Zone 5a) Apr 10, 2010

ROFL, Victor... are they green or red after you scratch them?

Post #7695608
Quote
victorgardener Lower Hudson Valley, NY(Zone 6b) Apr 10, 2010

Teenage boys and Uncle Ned.

Post #7695619
Quote
sherriseden Bloomington, IN(Zone 6a) Apr 12, 2010

Oh, my gosh - you guys are nuts!! : )

Post #7699122
Quote
sherriseden Bloomington, IN(Zone 6a) Apr 12, 2010

P.S. I'll give my hubby the scratch test and see if he leafs out . . .

OK, I'll stop! : )

Post #7699127
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP