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Dead Mahonia?

SiobhancantgardenSiobhancantgarden Posts: 70
in Problem solving
I assume this is unsalvageable?  :'( (Not sure why it's on its side)

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  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    it certainly looks " peaky "
    Devon.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Siobhancantgarden I think you may be right! You could try rubbing the bark to see if there is any sign of life. Great opportunity to try something new I think .By the way I am sure you can garden!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    Whoa what happened there @Siobhancantgarden?
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I'm sorry to say that it looks as if that plant has deteriorated over some time, judging by the previously cut blackened stems lower down and the taller existing ones.  Use your fingernail to scrape a layer off the bark on each of the upper stems.  If there's no green tissue below, I'm afraid that the plant has had it's day.  This could be due to lack of water plus cold  and wind damage. 

    Don't be disheartened though, if it is dead, once it's removed you have a new planting opportunity!  If you'd like any recommendations and tips for plants that are easy to grow, just post here and you'll get plenty of helpful replies!  Carry on, you'll make a good gardener!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd say your thread title didn't need the question mark @Siobhancantgarden.  ;)
    There's no chance that's still alive. They're pretty indestructible, but there's always one that proves the rule. I expect that's been in decline for a while.
    The conditions it's sited in don't look very favourable.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    When we moved here, nearly 40 years ago, I discovered the stem of a Mahonia growing under some trees. I wasn't that keen on them then, though some of the newer ones look more interesting, but I left it anyway, having nothing better at the time.
    It is still there, looking much the same as it always has, never growing, but refusing to die!
  • SiobhancantgardenSiobhancantgarden Posts: 70
    Hahaha. Thanks all.....poor thing. I loved that thing despite being impaled on it several times. But - new opportunity!! Is it difficult to remove??
  • SiobhancantgardenSiobhancantgarden Posts: 70
    Hostafan1 said:
    it certainly looks " peaky "
     :D 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @SI doubt if it will put up much of a fight, if you can cut some of the top spikey growth back before you start but not too low. Work your way around it slowly with a spade but don't be tempted just to pull at it.  The roots are a bright yellow which may or may not be helpful in the circumstances!   
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Siobhancantgarden Sorry!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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