Chaenomeles-snow damage, what to do?

Quercusrobur81 · March 2018

hi there, hope you can advise. I have two chaenomeles ‘geisha girl’ in large pots I was hoping to plant in a good spot in the garden soon. However, after ‘the beast from the east’ had done its thing they look pretty awful:

Should I cut them back now to a healthier looking bit before moving, or just leave til they’ve perked up a bit and then move? Thanks!

Dovefromabove · March 2018

I think they'll grow replacement leaves when the weather improves ... I'd go ahead and plant them out this spring ... they'll recover better in well prepared plots in the open ground than in containers.

Quercusrobur81 · March 2018

Thanks dove-and would you give them a little prune to get rid of the brown?

Borderline · March 2018

I believe there is nothing wrong with the branches. It's the branches that will create your framework and by cutting them off, you will lose some maturity already. Those branches could go on to create new blossoms next year.

It looks like damaged leaves from the local weather conditions. Ornamental Quince shrubs are hardy and tough, but it's very likely the grower had created a shrub in warm and sheltered conditions. It's very rare to see that much green on this type of shrub. It's usually blossoms first followed by leaves emerging.

The brown leaves will crisp up and drop off in the coming heat. You can help it along by running your hand over them and they will start to fall away.

Quercusrobur81 · March 2018

Great-thanks borderline! It’s a weird one, it’s never lost any leaves all over winter but maybe the beast was just too much for it...

Dovefromabove · March 2018

I agree 100% with Borderline

Quercusrobur81 · March 2018

Thank you

Chaenomeles-snow damage, what to do?

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