When do I give up on brugs outside coming back? It seems the ones I protected more are the ones that haven't showed yet :(
The ones I really wanted, KBS, Chas Grimaldi, Pink Beauty and Rosamond have huge trunks in the ground, feel solidly rooted, but don't show a sign of life. I cut them about 2" above ground and mulched them well. When do I give up on them? It sure is throwing a cramp in my planting plans!
My most robust returns are in this order: Gypsy Queen, Valley Misty Pink, (both planted close to the brick of the house) then Butterfly, Rosabelle, Species, Donna's Monster and Hawaiian Double White. Actually, 10 out of the 15 have come back--just not the ones I really wanted!
Coming Back? Or Not?
Vi if the stalks don't feel mushy they should be o.k. Are they getting less sun than the others?? Are they younger plants than the others?? This can make a difference. Can you dig down on one side a little ways and check the roots?? I can replace rosamond when mine grows out a little more and can get a KBS cutting back for you. Valley Misty Pink grows like Monster Brug. she is a great one too and gets just as big with a to die for scent.
I took cuttings of the ones I really wanted to return, except for VP and, amazingly, it has returned, I have two and both plants returned. I wouldn't give up for some time. Last year, mine was really late coming back - I think because I cut it back to right above the ground, about 5 inches. This year, the only thing I cut back were the cuttings for the bubbler. I left everything else there and every brug has returned, but two only have *tiny* greenies, way down on the plant, and they are growing slowly. If your plants were mine, I'd give them more time. And, next winter, I wouldn't cut them back and see how they do for you that way. Good luck!!!
Vi, mine that had only been in the ground one year were all back a couple of weeks ago. I had two on the other side of the house that had been out three years. Their trunks were huge. They only started showing a few days ago, and I am quite a bit farther south than you are. Don't give up yet.
I can send you Rosamond and Pink Beauty as well as Charles Grimaldi if you need them.
Kay
Everything I planted last year is back and most are about 1 foot tall now. A couple haven't emerged, but I can see the shoots forming. I would say that if they feel solid, they're probably still viable.
Gee thanks for the offers ladies! I did have cuttings of everything (of course) remember that huge 6' Rosamond kept in the bubbling bucket?
It did seem that the bigger the trunk, there was no show, so I guess, I'll have to wait :( Most were in raised beds, full spring sunshine, so I expected an earlier showing. The trunks are all solid, indeed!
Vi would you believe Monster has bloom pods already. I am talking about it just grew back from the ground!!!! She is about 2 1/2' already and Frosty Pink is right behind her. The older more established they are the faster they come back and grow
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
You lucky thing! I can't wait for her this year :)
The only blooms I have is KP in the basement (she's too big to get out the door and I don't wanna lose all the blooms), but GL has buds :)