Saratoga Blooms Landscape Design

Dead or Alive?

 As the weather warms, one of the first questions I am asked is, “Is this plant (or tree or shrub) alive?” As gardeners, we are anxious to see the fruits of our labors from the previous season come to life in spring. But this can be slow in coming, particularly for plant material planted last year.

 But there are some tried and true clues to look for in determining a plant’s survival of winter’s cold.

 First is the scratch test. This test is for small trees and shrubs. With your thumbnail, gently scratch away a small area of the first layer of bark on a branch close to the trunk of a tree or at the base of a shrub. Beneath the bark should be bright green. If it is brown or dry, the plant has most likely died. Some shrubs however, will still send up new basal growth from its base to replace lost limbs.

 Another clue will be swollen buds. Most shrubs and trees will have small bumps along their branches, indicating where new leaves will soon emerge.

 Perennial flowers (those that come back year after year) will also be re-emerging. New growth can be seen once last year’s old, dead foliage is cut back and removed. Some perennial flowers die after just a year or two but drop seeds in the fall so that brand new plants will take their place nearby. These include coreopsis, coneflower, Jupiter’s beard, and gaillardia.

 Don’t be tempted to start watering plants, hoping to speed things along. When the weather is cool (below 75 degrees), plant material doesn’t need water more than once a week (and Mother Nature usually takes care of this in the spring). Over watering your plants carries more danger of killing them than helping them grow.

Some other things to keep in mind: plants that receive large amounts of shade may not show signs of life until May (so be patient). Plant material planted last year will take longer to start growing; I usually give these plants until mid-May to know for certain their survival.

If a tree or shrub is under warranty, and the warranty is about to expire, wait as long as possible for signs of life before digging it up and returning it.