Viburnum Eve Price

Berkley

I love this viburnum, planted seven years ago and has successfully grown to hide a water butt at the front of the house. Every year, including this year, it is covered in flowers then black berries. But the damage you can see has developed very suddenly I am so upset but nearly every damaged part seems to have new, healthy green growth. Do you think it has been affected by the intense heat of last month? How can I help it recover?

Borderline

I agree with you. I think it's suffered with extreme heat and lack of water. Keep it well watered now, especially with some late hot and dry weather.

Shrubs can also suffer from extreme heat and lack of water. Evergreen leaves form a dense canopy, so any rain in the summer months will not be enough to get down to the root area. I can also see concrete, so being on the edge of a path will mean, water can be an issue in summer.

If you haven't already, consider laying down a thick layer of bark mulch to help conserve water and keep the roots cool.

Berkley

Thanks, Borderline. Much appreciated. I’m hoping we are both right - I’m watering copiously and will take your advice about a mulch. Many of the brown leaves have now fallen off so there are lots of bare branches (but with fresh green growth at their ends). Just hoping that the shrub will survive and that I don’t end up with lots of leafless branches when I give it its annual trim next year!