Dead hops, dead hibiscus, black dahlias - Ask Extension
Hi Experts - I've grown VERY healthy hops for over 20 years, two different varieties. They would explode out of the ground every spring and grow at th...
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Dead hops, dead hibiscus, black dahlias #871950
Asked June 06, 2024, 6:21 PM EDT
Hi Experts -
I've grown VERY healthy hops for over 20 years, two different varieties. They would explode out of the ground every spring and grow at the speed of light up my trellis. This year, alas, only two very small pathetic sprouts have come up instead of the normal jungle. What happened???
Also, for over 20 years, I've had 3 VERY healthy hibiscus plants. They would rise up out of the ground later in the spring, and do very well (until the Japanese beetles started having a smorgasbord on the petals). This year -- Zip, Zilch, NADA. What happened??
Also, I'm growing some dahlias, and the sprouting stems are turning BLACK. This happened last year also, and the plants never lived or bloomed. What's happening??
THANX!
Joel
Broomfield County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Joel,
Thanks for reaching out. It's difficult to say the cause of these issues without more information, but here are a few questions for you to start:
Do you know the variety of hibiscus that you have? Can you describe and/or share photos of the area where they were planted?
If you could share photos of the hop plants and the dahlias, that would be helpful, both closeups and some wider perspective shots that capture the environment and planting location.
Thanks for reaching out. It's difficult to say the cause of these issues without more information, but here are a few questions for you to start:
Do you know the variety of hibiscus that you have? Can you describe and/or share photos of the area where they were planted?
If you could share photos of the hop plants and the dahlias, that would be helpful, both closeups and some wider perspective shots that capture the environment and planting location.
Hi Extension Folks -
Not a clue what variety of hibiscus -- I planted them over 2 decades ago. They did fine every year, except this year they never came out of the ground. The photo shows some remnants from last year behind the railroad tie. pic #0033
I had two varieties of hops, but again, my memory doesn't go back over two decades as to which varieties. Why would they do gangbusters for over twenty years, then this year just two measly little strands?? You can see all the growth on the trellis from last year -- they were magnificent! pic #0036
I had one dahlia that sprouted in a pot, but after a few days, it started turning black, then finally shriveled into a 1-inch-tall black thing that looked like a burned pinkie finger. The other dahlia that sprouted is showing signs of the same scourge, and I supposed it's just a matter of time before it too turns entirely black and shrinks into almost nothingness. If you zoom in, you can readily see the black on the margins of the upper growth. pic #0035
What's going rong????????
Also -- do you take tree questions??
Thanx!
Joel
Hello Joel,
Thank you for sharing these photos. The reason I ask about hibiscus variety is that some are marginally hardy for our area. If the Japanese Beetle damage was especially bad going into the fall, these and other factors can combine to affect winter survival. Hopefully they will continue to grow this year and return next year.
The photo you referenced of the previous year's hops did not come through for me. However, if the plants were healthy last year and did not come back this year, consider your overwintering practices, including protection from the elements and winter watering. You might also consider what elements of the environment have changed in 20 years. Are they still getting enough sun? Have nutrients been replenished?
For the dahlias, you say this happened last year, so I assume these are different tubers, rather than successful tubers from last year that you dug and stored. If that is the case and you are using the same pot, consider changing pots and using new pasteurized planting media in the future. If there was a pathogen last year, it could overwinter in the container. Beyond that, I would double check your planting/maintenance practices are in line with recommendations and that they are getting enough sun, and not too much water.
We can field tree questions as well. Please send your question and any relevant photos directly to <personal data hidden>.
Thank you for sharing these photos. The reason I ask about hibiscus variety is that some are marginally hardy for our area. If the Japanese Beetle damage was especially bad going into the fall, these and other factors can combine to affect winter survival. Hopefully they will continue to grow this year and return next year.
The photo you referenced of the previous year's hops did not come through for me. However, if the plants were healthy last year and did not come back this year, consider your overwintering practices, including protection from the elements and winter watering. You might also consider what elements of the environment have changed in 20 years. Are they still getting enough sun? Have nutrients been replenished?
For the dahlias, you say this happened last year, so I assume these are different tubers, rather than successful tubers from last year that you dug and stored. If that is the case and you are using the same pot, consider changing pots and using new pasteurized planting media in the future. If there was a pathogen last year, it could overwinter in the container. Beyond that, I would double check your planting/maintenance practices are in line with recommendations and that they are getting enough sun, and not too much water.
We can field tree questions as well. Please send your question and any relevant photos directly to <personal data hidden>.
Dunno why the hops pic didn't work, so here's another try. I've never watered them in the winter, and I did put down some 10-10-10 fertilizer a few years ago. With the hibiscus, the Japanese beetles munched on the blossoms only, and left the leaves intact. Would the destroyed blooms cause it not to sprout the following year??
Thanx, Joel
