fothergilla problem - Ask Extension
I have a Mt. Airy fothergilla shrub that I planted in the fall of 2022. It's been doing great and blooming the past two springs. Currently many of the...
Knowledgebase
fothergilla problem #874532
Asked June 24, 2024, 8:11 PM EDT
I have a Mt. Airy fothergilla shrub that I planted in the fall of 2022. It's been doing great and blooming the past two springs. Currently many of the leaves are curliing and the shrub looks like it might be dying. I gave it extra water yesterday,but I don't see any improvement. Any suggestions?
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
This looks like heat stress/scorch. It has been very hot and very dry for many days. In addition, we had long periods of concerning drought last season which also stressed many plants.
You didn't mention how you watered, but a.s.a.p. we would give the plant a good heavy watering and hope to see improvement.
Make sure your mulch is only 2-3 inches deep and kept away from the stems/trunk of plants. After watering, use a screwdriver and your finger to feel 3-4 inches into the soil near the roots to see if it feels cool and moist when you are finished.
Here is our Watering Trees and Shrubs page that explains more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
You didn't mention how you watered, but a.s.a.p. we would give the plant a good heavy watering and hope to see improvement.
Make sure your mulch is only 2-3 inches deep and kept away from the stems/trunk of plants. After watering, use a screwdriver and your finger to feel 3-4 inches into the soil near the roots to see if it feels cool and moist when you are finished.
Here is our Watering Trees and Shrubs page that explains more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
You're welcome.
