First question, Kim, why are we keeping the dead looking shrub? Can it not be removed? Maybe left out altogether or replacing with the same thing if you truly liked what it is. The rest of the plantings are very inviting.
Christi
looking for ideas...dead looking shrub
Well...I was trying to give it as much of a chance after moving it there as I could. I really thought it would eventually recover. At this point I think I am just going to trim it way back and put something else in front of it for now. That growth on the closeup has been that way for months.
I have no sceintific proof about this, but have been told somewhere and Lord knows where, that all dead plant matter should be removed as it causes the plant to continually attempt to bring it back to life. Wish someone would confirm this one way or the other. Whatever, I always pick any dead leaves, cut dead limbs, or twigs or whatever. It seems to help. I am not a botantist nor a sceintist, just a try as hard as I can gardener. Hope someone can give some real insight to this idea.
You have done really good with your yard. I appreciate your wanting to do even better, as we all do.
Christi
Hey Kim...
Been reading your thread, and I think I would just cut out most of the dead looking stuff, and go from there. it can't be helping the plant, and I don't think it would hurt to cut all that out... me being the "newbie expert"... lol Also I believe someone was speaking of Superthrive that you get at Lowes. It can be used alone but is recommended to be added to any fertilizer that you normally use. It is fantastic, and really helps those roots get started!
Becky
I think you all have convinced me that cutting it back...and putting something else in front in the meantime...is the best way to go if I want to try and save it. So that's what is going to happen. And Becky...good thought on the superthrive...I always use it on my hoyas but never thought about outside plants. Since I rent you'd think I would stress about this less...lol. Last year I had a castor bean in that spot which looked great until the leafhoppers made it look like a big stick with spiny pods all over it! But after a scare with my dog I pulled it.
Thanks everyone for the compliments and help!
:) Kim
aah...so you really need something quite small then if you replace it..
Hey Kim, the best root stimulator I've found is one by Karl Poole. Has lots of extra vitamins and gives the plant a good jolt and may kick it into action. I'd trim back each stem(stick) until you see green. For something to add in to give color, you might try Cassia corymbosa or bicapularis. Yellow flowers - you may have seen these at Fritellas on Texas Avenue in Bryan. Small tree - maybe 7 or 8 feet when grown and pretty much evergreen. Another thought would be add in some perennial hibiscus. Even something like Thai Basil would help distract from the current sticks. Another thought would be the new darker blue Plumbago.
You got a lot of responses so lots of ideas to try. If things have slowed down for you now (unless you are taking summer classes) you could come by the main campus greenhouse.