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Cercis Forest Pansy

I feel that this tree should be further forward with the leaves and now I am wondering if the windy winter has got the better of it, it looks gorgeous at its peak.

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited May 2020
    I would say hang in there. The tree can be very late into leaf, especially when they are young. It has been pretty hot and dry recently and the previous year. It's more likely drought may have knocked it back rather than wind and the cold. 
  • Thanks
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited May 2020
    They are also very sensitive to drought and whole branches can die back as it's natural response (known as self-pruning.)  One of mine with 2 main stems still only has the red flowers on one stem, which is not leafing-up yet, but the other stem has both flowers and now quite large young leaves and it was very dry here for long periods last year, so think I may lose that leafless stem.  They seem good at regenerating from low down though.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Thank you for your reply.  Should I cut back the branches that look as if they are dead, as you say they are good at regenerating from low down, is this a good time to do it?
    This is my favourite tree in the garden and I am so disappointed.  Would it help if I were to send you a closer view of the tree?  Many thanks
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited May 2020
    I would give it three buckets of water a day for the next three days, whether it rains or not. Then three buckets of water a week from now until mid September. More often if we get a hot dry spell. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Agree with @Dovefromabove - give it lots of deep watering and keep fingers crossed.  If the affected branches haven't produced leaves in a month, give the bark near the end of an affected branch a scrape to see if it is green underneath.  If brown, keep trying further down until you see green tissue under the bark then cut back a further couple of inches to just above a healthy bud or side shoot.  Photos are always useful. :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • I have given it 3 buckets of water so far and will follow your advice, I so hope that I can bring this tree back to life.  I might send another close up photo if that is ok.  Thanks again.
  • naomi.gaffneynaomi.gaffney Posts: 24
    edited May 2020
    Here is a picture of my forest pansy, taken yesterday, 13th.  There is definitely something amiss with it but what?  Do I give it a hard prune or cut my losses and replace it.  The branches are brittle although the structure remains intact for the moment anyway.  Thanks
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Did you try the scratch test that @BobTheGardener suggested? If you haven't, try that. If you find live wood, that's where you should cut back to. If not then I'm afraid it's an ex-Cercis :(
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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