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prune or leave

dave56armstrongdave56armstrong Posts: 50
in Problem solving
Someone gave me this flowering shrub, its roots were almost bare and dry, I planted it in new compost and watered it but have no idea how long it was out of the soil, and it looks pretty distressed. Should I leave it as it is to recover or would it be best to cut it back? (I had thought it was a little rose but not sure now). 

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Depends what it is Dave? 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • dave56armstrongdave56armstrong Posts: 50
    I don't know the person who gave it to me didn't know. Maybe a bit difficult with the flowers being so wilted. The close up was the best remaining flower. 
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Did you send photos? You mention close up. They haven't arrived.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • dave56armstrongdave56armstrong Posts: 50
    sorry, I thought I had, trying again, lots of flowers but very withered now, distinct textured leaves. 
  • dave56armstrongdave56armstrong Posts: 50

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I'd have soaked the roots in water for an hour or two before planting to help them rehydrate but, no matter.

    For now you need to reduce stress so remove all flowers and fruits forming as these are high maintenance for the roots.  Then thin out any weak, damaged or broken stems you can see.

    After that, just keep it watered but make sure it can drain so the roots don't drown and keep it in a bright but sheltered spot out of full sun and cross your fingers.  In time and with luck, your plant willperk up and go on to produce more flowers either later this summer or maybe next year, depending on what it is.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • dave56armstrongdave56armstrong Posts: 50
    Thanks for that. I shall give it a good trim and see how it copes. 
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