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help - cotinus dying
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Posted by campanula UK Cambridge (My Page) on Mon, Jul 25, 05 at 18:07
| my friend's smokebush, Royal Purple, I think, currently about 2metres high by three metres wide, is dying. There is approximately a third of the bush affected. The leaves wilt, starting from the growing tips and moving down the stem until they look like rags. It is not drought and I cannot detect any bootlace mycellium in the soil. I scraped off a bit of bark and there is no smell or sign of mushrooms so I don't think honey fungus is the problem but the speed of the wilting suggests some horrible sudden death fungus or virus. Should I cut out the affected branches despite it looking like a dog's dinner if I go ahead. I gave the bush a prune in March in order to increase leaf size and the bush has always been healthy. My friend's heart is breaking as this is her favourite plant in her entire garden. I know it isn't due to creatures or mildew.....help? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: help - cotinus dying
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| Are you sure it is not foxes? Moriati |
RE: help - cotinus dying
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Campanula I hope you told your friend your pruning came with no warranty lol. For the growth to start wilting clearly the sap is being cut off and it is likely to be some form of pathogen attacking the plant internally. Personally if it was my cotinus I would remove the wilted growth before what ever it is spreads. I dont know what healthy growth on Cotinus looks like when cut but when you prune if you have the slightest idea the growth is tainted then cut back further. When you get to clean wood steralise your secatures and cut back alittle further before once again steralising the pruners.
Just my view on the issue. |
RE: help - cotinus dying
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I agree with Plantzzman. Cut it back no matter how it looks. It can't do more damage than is actually happening. I know how your friend feels. I have a smokebush in my garden and it is my favourite. I can't wait for it to grow into a lovely specimen like a neighbour of mine has. I just love the colour. I hope you manage to save it.
Alison |
RE: help - cotinus dying
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RE: help - cotinus dying
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- Posted by slwq NW FRANCE (My Page) on
Fri, Sep 23, 05 at 6:51
Hi,
I was recently considering buying a cotinus Royal Purple and did a bit of research. My invaluable Cassell's Encyclopedia of Gardening says this about Royal Purple:
'......This variety does have a tendency to die suddenly for no apparent reason, but you will have time to enjoy it for at least a few years.' Good luck! |
RE: help - cotinus dying
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| Hello Everyone Cotinus Royal Purple has been a real problem plant in Wales this year with many cases of sudden death reported. It seems the plant is not over long lived and can almost die overnight. Best wishes, Gerald. |
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