We are again seeing winter damage to various woody plants, especially semi-evergreen shrubs such as Manhattan euonymus and boxwood. Normally this kind of damage is caused by a sharp drop in temperature after a warm fall. However, though we did go through the drop in temperature, we also had a very dry fall making damage more likely.
On campus, itt appears most of the damage was done to the leaves with buds not being harmed. This will mean these plants should put out new leaves and be fine in the Manhattan area IF they had sufficient soil moisture.
The Wichita area had less rain than we did and also had a more sharp drop in temperature. They ae noting damage not only on the shrubs mentioned above but also on pachysandra, aucuba, viburnum, live oak, English ivy, wintercreeper euonymus, blue atlas cedar and various other evergreen and semi-evergreens. We will likely see more damage appear as spring progresses.
The best time to assess the extent of the damage and the potential for recovery is mid May. By this time, new growth should have developed and it will be clear if the buds are going to put on some new growth. You can also check for potential recovery by pulling off a few buds. If they are brown inside, don't expect any new growth. If the buds are green inside, the plant may put on some new growth
So what can you do now? Water trees and shrubs if the soil is dry. For information on methods to water trees and shrubs, see https://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org/newsletters/inexpensive-method-of-watering-trees1505104
(Ward Upham)
On campus, itt appears most of the damage was done to the leaves with buds not being harmed. This will mean these plants should put out new leaves and be fine in the Manhattan area IF they had sufficient soil moisture.
The Wichita area had less rain than we did and also had a more sharp drop in temperature. They ae noting damage not only on the shrubs mentioned above but also on pachysandra, aucuba, viburnum, live oak, English ivy, wintercreeper euonymus, blue atlas cedar and various other evergreen and semi-evergreens. We will likely see more damage appear as spring progresses.
The best time to assess the extent of the damage and the potential for recovery is mid May. By this time, new growth should have developed and it will be clear if the buds are going to put on some new growth. You can also check for potential recovery by pulling off a few buds. If they are brown inside, don't expect any new growth. If the buds are green inside, the plant may put on some new growth
So what can you do now? Water trees and shrubs if the soil is dry. For information on methods to water trees and shrubs, see https://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org/newsletters/inexpensive-method-of-watering-trees1505104
(Ward Upham)
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