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Weak flowers on Prunus Autumnalis

suecompetasuecompeta Posts: 15
in Problem solving
The flowers on my young prunus autumnalis appear to be dying very shortly after blossoming. It was very late in showing signs of flowers this year anyway. Very poor display. Can anyone help? 

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    How old is the tree ? I'm wondering if the lack of flowers is due to the weather over the previous 12 months affecting it? 
  • suecompetasuecompeta Posts: 15
    It's been in the ground for two years. It is quite young and still looks spindly. There was a huge ants nest near it last summer, but I'm inclined to agree with you about weather conditions.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    It is still young  and the fact that you mention an ant's nest nearby makes me wonder if the soil was very dry.
    It may be worth keeping an eye on watering this year  :)
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Good points by AnniD. Young trees need a lot of watering over the warm months to keep them going. Blossoms will not be much when young but ants in soil is an indication of dry soil. Doesn’t sound like any issues. Blossoms can be damaged by poor weather so you may need to be patient. 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Frosty conditions will turn the flowers to mush. You need a spell of above zero night temperatures for the flowers to be at their best. I've also seen a lot of mushy looking Viburnums recently so I'm pretty sure it's this issue.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • suecompetasuecompeta Posts: 15
    Than you. We have had some frost but not too much this year. 
  • suecompetasuecompeta Posts: 15
    AnniD said:
    It is still young  and the fact that you mention an ant's nest nearby makes me wonder if the soil was very dry.
    It may be worth keeping an eye on watering this year  :)
    That's a very good point. I will certainly be more vigilant this year, thank you. 
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