About Edward Gulliksen Expertise I can help to diagnose any Tree and Shrub related problem, whether it be a disease or insect infestation.
Experience I am an ISA Certified Arborist, Consulting Arborist and a licensed NYS Pesticide Applicator.
Organizations I am Vice President of the Professional Certified Applicators of Long Island as well as a member of the New York State Arboricultural Association and the Long Island Arboricultural Association.
Publications I write for Long Island.com as the Horticultural Expert.
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.
