Plant Select Prunus virginiana "Sucker Punch" not blooming - Ask Extension
We purchased this tree at the Denver Botanic Gardens in May 2023 and planted it in our backyard. The tree trunk has a diameter of 1 1/2 inches. It g...
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Plant Select Prunus virginiana "Sucker Punch" not blooming #870748
Asked May 30, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT
We purchased this tree at the Denver Botanic Gardens in May 2023 and planted it in our backyard. The tree trunk has a diameter of 1 1/2 inches. It grew well last year and it was the first of our trees/plants to produce blooms and leaves this spring in April. Then the final snow of the season and freezing temperatures hit and the opening buds of the chokecherry shriveled with frostbite (?). Since then there is no more budding/leafing activity. Will the tree eventually put out more buds? Is there anything we should do to encourage this? Has the tree actually died? Any advice you can give us would be appreciated.
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Steven,
Does the tree still have healthy looking leaves on it? Assuming yes, and that the tree feels pliant when you touch the branches, it is still alive. You could also nick a small area to see if it still green under the bark and not completely dried out. It would not produce buds again this season though.
Here is a good article on assessing frost damage to buds, an unfortunately extremely common problem in places that are prone to big temperature swings.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/assessing_frost_and_freeze_damage_to_flowers_and_buds_of_fruit_trees
Best of luck with your tree!
Does the tree still have healthy looking leaves on it? Assuming yes, and that the tree feels pliant when you touch the branches, it is still alive. You could also nick a small area to see if it still green under the bark and not completely dried out. It would not produce buds again this season though.
Here is a good article on assessing frost damage to buds, an unfortunately extremely common problem in places that are prone to big temperature swings.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/assessing_frost_and_freeze_damage_to_flowers_and_buds_of_fruit_trees
Best of luck with your tree!
