Expert: Edward Gulliksen - 7/27/2007

Question
I bought this plant 4 yrs ago with buds  - they did not open. I am now in my 4th budding - thousands of them, big healthy bush - no visible insects, leaf damage , discolorations etc - the blooms will not open again (4th time same thing) On a few I can just make out a reddish/pinkish color but they will not open. I live in NW
Alabama and have wtered and fertilized appropriately.
Please, please , please can you help me?
Sincerely, erika

Answer
Erika,

It sounds like the plant doesn't have enough energy to open the flower buds. I would recommend changing your fertilizer to a formulation that is low in nitrogen but high in phosphorous and potassium. I would also recommend that you prune the plant back in the spring to reduce the amount of flower buds that the plant needs to worry about.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen