I left my pyracantha unwatered over a 5 day vacation and when I returned she was severely wilted and the leaves were somewhat crispy. I soaked the pot twice, but the leaves are still wilted an mostly stiff. Is she a goner? I swear I watered her before I left.
barb
(2 for 2 in dead bonsai)
Help for dried out pyracantha
Shade the pot and site the plant in the sun. Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to over-water. The plant will use much less water than when it had a full flush of foliage. On one hand, it's a good time of the year to bet on the plant's having enough energy to push another flush of foliage. The plant has been largely putting energy in storage since mid-June, rather than allocating it to more leaves and branch extension, so its batteries should be fully charged (as long as it was growing with good vitality when you left). On the other hand, it's expensive in terms of energy used for the plant to have to produce a new flush of growth. The energy to do this will come mostly from the carbohydrate reserves the tree was saving for winter. Leaves USE energy until they are about 75% mature, after which they begin to become net producers of energy instead of net users, so it's likely that the tree will go into winter at least somewhat weakened. Protecting it from frost later in the grow season by moving it outdoors during the day and under cover when frost threatens will help extend the growing season and help the tree regain some of its depleted energy reserves. Don't prune anything until after it goes dormant unless you're sure it's crispy dead.
Good luck - I'll hope for a speedy recovery. ;o)
Al
Oh, there's hope! Thanks, Al, I'll let you know what happens :)
barb