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Is my Deutzia dead?

mckechl_rH2OtOimckechl_rH2OtOi Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I have a deutzia which has been pot grown very well for 3 years, however this winter my pup decided to break off all its stalks leaving about 4" only. I have been hoping that it may survive but there is still no sign of growth.
Has he managed to kill me plant or can it recover? Any advice would be appreciated. 

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited April 2023
    You can cut Deutzia to the ground, tip it out of the pot and check the roots.
    It may not be the dogs fault. We have had wet weather followed by a freeze. It is a tough shrub but in a pot more vulnerable. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • doraTNoMW3epdoraTNoMW3ep Posts: 6

    Hey there! Sorry to hear about your deutzia getting broken by your pup, that's a real bummer. But don't give up hope just yet, because there's a chance it could still make a comeback.

    Here's what I suggest: give it a bit more time to see if any new growth appears. It's only been a few months since the incident, and some plants can take a while to bounce back. Keep an eye on the base of the plant, where the stem meets the soil. If there are any signs of new growth or buds forming, that's a good sign that the plant is recovering.

    In the meantime, make sure the plant is getting enough water and nutrients. You might want to give it a boost with some fertilizer or compost, which can help promote new growth. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant.

    If you still don't see any new growth after a few more months, you might need to consider cutting back the plant even further. I know it sounds drastic, but sometimes pruning can actually encourage new growth. Just make sure to do it carefully and with clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant any further.

    And finally, if all else fails and the plant just isn't bouncing back, don't beat yourself up about it. Sometimes these things happen, and it's all part of the learning process. Use this as an opportunity to try something new and see what you can grow next!

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree with @GardenerSuze - give it some time as it may still recover. Shrubs take much longer in that regard than perennials.  Pots are always more difficult for shrubs though, and need far more attention - renewing soil regularly/mulching etc,  regardless of any other outside 'interference'  ;)

    Whatever you do - don't feed it. That's a real no no with a struggling plant.  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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