Half Shrubs!?

11 years ago

I have two shrubs which seem to be growing on one half of the bush but still dormant on the other. One is a Leather Leaf Viburnum. The other is a Dwarf Korean Lilac. When I scratch twigs on the dormant areas, I see bright green inside.

There are no obvious signs of distress.

Both shrubs have been growing here for about 7 years. There is a second bush of each variety nearby which is growing normally.

Could our severe drought conditions be the cause?

Or maybe the warm winter and hot early spring has them completely confused.

Any ideas?

Comments (3)

prairiegirlz5
11 years ago
"Could our severe drought conditions be the cause?
Or maybe the warm winter and hot early spring has them completely confused. Any ideas?"

I think "you" got the idea! :P

That is exactly what caused that to happen. Plants grow differently depending on the weather. The dormant side will open when the weather warms up. Then you can see what kind of shaping is needed; assess the damage, if any.
harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania
Original Author
11 years ago
We just got 2" of rain and cooler temps. Normal for April. Maybe some stimulus for growth.

Another thought: These are not single "trunk" small trees. Each has many shoots. Is it possible that some of the basal growths from below are in reality separate plants?
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prairiegirlz5
11 years ago
Anything's possible I guess. Several of my shrubs have similar problems, lowest on the stem are new buds, then above that are a few closed buds or bare stems, and on the tips, buds that started to open, but stayed closed.