About 3 weeks after planting, my Ruby Slippers Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea was stepped on and the stem was snapped off almost at ground level. Only about 1/4 inch of stem reminds above ground, no leaves. Does it stand a chance of coming back? I am conflicted on whether or not to plant something else there or wait to see if it sprouts anything new. Thanks!
Ruby Slippers Hydrangea
The root system should be sound. I would keep the plant, though since you only planted it that recently, you could move it to some other location for recovery.
I would keep it moist, and maybe use some balanced fertilizer (liquid or granular) to boost the regeneration of stems and foliage.
Quote from ViburnumValley :
The root system should be sound. I would keep the plant, though since you only planted it that recently, you could move it to some other location for recovery.
I would keep it moist, and maybe use some balanced fertilizer (liquid or granular) to boost the regeneration of stems and foliage.
Oh that's great news! Thank you! Is there a reason why I should move it, or is that suggestion just so it won't get stepped on again? If it's the latter, I put little flags all around the spot where it's planted to prevent another assault. :-)
No need to move it. I only suggested that in case it was located in a primo spot that you needed a full plant, rather than a "rehab".
Oftentimes, people just throw that kind of plant away - instead of giving it a chance to recover in another part of the landscape, or even with someone else.
It might make it but I kind of doubt it. I've lost 2 out of 3 Ruby Slippers Hydrangeas and my biggest one checked out this spring so I am kind of doubting a broken one to the ground will make a dramatic comeback (but stranger things have happened - note this is my disclaimer).
This is what it looked like this past fall and the only oakleaf that didn't come back. (And when it was fading to pink in summer)
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