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All leaves brown on Ceanothus Autumn Blue

Super gardenerSuper gardener Posts: 84
in Plants
I'm assuming this is frost damage- I've had this evergreen for a few years and it's been frost nipped before, but this is all over-no green leaves left!
what should I do, and when please?
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  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,142
    I posted a similar thread recently which got some replies

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1010730/evergreen-ceanothus-x2-in-decline#latest

    I have to say mine has continued to deteriorate rather than recover so will be interesting to see what happens in due course. 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,827
    Wait.  Be patient.  It may well produce new shoots but not till it's reliably warmer.  If it's showing no signs of any growth by the end of May, dig it out and plant something new.

    I used to have to wait till June for my fancier hibiscus to start showing shoots in my Belgian garden.   
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • Ryan180680Ryan180680 Posts: 193
    Ours has done the same. Hoping it rejuvenates itself now it's warmer 
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,986
    Mine looks worse by the day. I don't think I can be bothered with it. I'll choose something more reliable


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,745
    In my experience, ceanothus is fine until it decides that it's not and then there's nothing you can do to change its mind :relaxed:
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,986
    Dovefromabove said:
    In my experience, ceanothus is fine until it decides that it's not and then there's nothing you can do to change its mind :relaxed:
    I think that's right Dove. The previous one did about 10 years but this hasn't done a whole year


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    I did exactly that and took my 7yo one out last week.  Now replaced with a greengage so actual candy rather than just eye candy! :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,142
    Dovefromabove said:
    In my experience, ceanothus is fine until it decides that it's not and then there's nothing you can do to change its mind :relaxed:
    I have two in very different parts of the garden and they both look in exactly the same ‘condition’. They were already here when we moved in but looking at them in terms of size I think it’s quite likely they are of similar age. Considering the awful state of them I’ll be more than surprised if they do recover but I’ll give them a few more weeks before deciding but I think it’s likely they have run their course. 
  • Mark56Mark56 Posts: 1,653
    I remember lots of people enquiring on here as to why their Ceanothus had died last year, I expect even more this Spring as a result of the cold. As Dove says they seem to easily throw in the towel.. a real shame as the bees adore them but I guess the clue is in the 'California Lilac' title.
  • Super gardenerSuper gardener Posts: 84
    Many thanks all, I'll wait a bit and see if it rallies or not. South west facing but somewhat exposed to winds here in Cumbria. Will plan a possible replacement to sweeten the pill if it has succumbed!
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