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Californian Lilac - Any hope?

MsCatFlyMsCatFly Posts: 68
in Problem solving
Hi all 👋🏻

Last year we moved this Californian Lilac as it was growing right up against the wall. It didn't thank us for it and it wilted. I hoped it would come back this year but the top seems dead - all the branches are brittle. If I scratch the bark towards the bottom of the main stem there is green, so it must have a bit of life left in it. What can I do to save it?


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  • MsCatFlyMsCatFly Posts: 68
    See the bit of green where I scratched the stem. It gives me some hope. 
  • MsCatFlyMsCatFly Posts: 68
    Hey again,

    Is there a way to edit my post? I wonder if my title isn't descriptive enough, or maybe I should post it in the Plants section. Would love some advice on my query but haven't had any takers yet. Or should I just start my post again? 

    Thanks.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Based on the comments about it being moved last year, it sounds like it did not take and the reason all the leaves have gone. Unfortunately, they don't take well to harsh pruning back. I think it is not salvageable in this case.
  • MsCatFlyMsCatFly Posts: 68
    Borderline said:
    Based on the comments about it being moved last year, it sounds like it did not take and the reason all the leaves have gone. Unfortunately, they don't take well to harsh pruning back. I think it is not salvageable in this case.
    Ah, that's an awful shame! I was quite fond of it.

    Thank you. 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    You could hold on for another couple of weeks to see if there is any sign of flowers, just in case. I find the branches are notoriously brittle and l'm forever breaking bits off as l brush past mine at this time of year. If not, time to bite the bullet and replace it. As far as I am aware, there's no problem in planting a replacement ceanothus in the same position  :)

  • MsCatFlyMsCatFly Posts: 68
    @AnniD okay, thanks I will give it a few more weeks just incase. We inherited it with the hoise so I'm not sure what variety it is, it will be hard to replace. 
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I'm sorry, but that will not recover, cut your losses and remove it.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • MsCatFlyMsCatFly Posts: 68
    @punkdoc thanks, I think you're right. Such a shame.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Look on it as a new planting opportunity  :). Nothing lasts for ever.
  • MsCatFlyMsCatFly Posts: 68
    @AnniD I won't deny my mind has been wondering towards what could be its replacement! 😁 
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