Can anyone tell me why my clethra alnifolia "Ruby Spice" appears dead? I put it in last year, it gets about 6 hours sun facing west, and I watered it about 3 times a week. It's supposed to be hardy to zone 3, I am in zone 5; it leafed and flowered beautifully - no pest or disease evident . . . but it has yet to show a swollen bud much less a leaf!! I'm not a new gardener and this has me puzzled!
Why is my clethra acting dead?
They take time to wake up. Give it more time. I have 2 of them and they look dead too. Had them for at least 5 years.
Thank you, Ladygardener1!! I will be patient . . .
Whenever you cannot possibly wait for the very-late-to-leaf out species (like Clethra, Gymnocladus, and Lagerstroemia) and you've convinced yourself that they are DEAD, give 'em a scratch.
The "scratch test" means taking a fingernail (or any sharp instrument) and scraping the bark on a small twig. If it appears green underneath, you have live tissue and you just need to calm down.
If it is brown/black and dry, well, maybe you were right and it IS dead.
Mostly (and moreso as you are northerly) you just need a patient attitude.
Yes - they are very late to wake up.
(I have used the scratch test on relatives.)
Yes - teenage boys often require this treatment.
ROFL, Victor... are they green or red after you scratch them?
Teenage boys and Uncle Ned.
Oh, my gosh - you guys are nuts!! : )
P.S. I'll give my hubby the scratch test and see if he leafs out . . .
OK, I'll stop! : )
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