Question From: D. Rubin - Sparrow Bush, New York, United States
Q: I have a row of well-spaced Hypericum shrubs that are growing on a slope in full sun. They've been there for about ten years. Suddenly this year, no new shoots appeared, no leaves. The plants appear to have died over the winter. There was an abnormally warm spell in January, I think, and I wonder if the cold afterwards affected them. Or would a fungus/parasite cause this kind of death when NO NEW GROWTH at all was present this year and the plants were healthy and blooming last year. Thanks for your advice.
A: Sadly I do not have a crystal ball. Shrubs in a southern exposure, especially those on a hill are very vulnerable to winter kill and the January thaw could well have done them in. If they broke dormancy in January that could have killed them. That would be my best guess too. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
