My poor brugs have had a very rough start this year. I received several cuttings from a very nice person and they rooted and grew so well this spring. Then their world turned over and it hasn't been the same since. They have fought temps of 100*+ since May, mites and then some more mites, grasshoppers, drought, and now for the second time some little green worms. I have tried to baby them along and it seems that they are afflicted with the failure to thrive syndrome. I have watered, fed, and tried to keep the bugs at bay and then something else happens to them. They are at this time trying to put on new leaves but I was wondering if it would hurt to just sort of give up this year and cut them back already and wait until next year or just keep on trying to please them?
I just hate to try new things and then have a year like we are having. At least by some of the other posts I am not alone. Thank goodness we do have next year to look forward to!!
Any and all advice would be welcome.
Kim
Next year????
Believe me I know just what you are going through, I have been so frustrated this year, seems like everything has been against us, If i were you I would strip the leaves and then feed them good and wait, at least you are able to leave them in the ground all year, I have to dig mine up, just think possative, and things will get better. Good luck.
Doris
Kim, it's very frustrating, I know. I think we're in a similar zone and this heat and humidity and drought have been tough on everything (especially me!).
If it were me, I'd consider spraying them with an all purpose bug spray (organicide or neem oil) to make sure all the "bugs" are gone then I'd just leave them alone except for normal water and fertilizer. The cooler weather is on the way and I think you can still get blooms this year in our zone. I think they will could bounce back for you so I wouldn't cut them yet. Just let them do their thing and see what happens. You can always take cuttings in the fall.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Barbara
Thanks ladies. I will do as you suggest. I am anxious to get some fragrance in the yard instead of the dusty smell.
We are one day closer to rain and cooler weather, I just wish that it would hurry up.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Kim
You can also feed with Bayer rose food . It has a systemic in it . Don't use near food plants . Rad post on mites, mites, mites,