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Is my mystery evergreen dying?

michaelmaxhuntermichaelmaxhunter Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I have an evergreen shrub (unfortunately can't remember what it is). It was moved in November and has stayed green up until a couple of weeks ago. 

I've tried scratching away little bits of the bark and can see it's green underneath so I think it's still alive... just.

Can anyone advise what may be wrong with it, if it is salvageable and what I might need to do?

Thanks in advance.



Posts

  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 434
    It looks like Portuguese Laurel but maybe I'm wrong. Not looking healthy at all. Maybe give deep watering and remove the stones from around the root base of plant.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I agree, a Portuguese Laurel,  and a very ambitious move. It's very large and most likely suffering from shock. Large specimens are very risky, and there is a higher chance they don't settle well and slowly die. The leaves will not revive and as time goes on, they will just crisp up.

    As Jaffacakes advise, keep watering generously. I would recommend pruning it back and reducing the size. If it recovers, the branches will grow fresh growth from further in.
  • michaelmaxhuntermichaelmaxhunter Posts: 2
    Thanks for the tips. Will try as advised.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    If you want to keep the plant it will have to have some space from that slate, a 3’ diameter circle at least round it. You can cut it right down to 6” from the base, if it’s still alive it will grow rapidly afterwards.  They thrive on being cut down. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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