Frozen shrubbery
Shannon Asked
I have Boston shrubbery about 10 to 15 years old. Last year, the leaves started dying in places, now they are looking bad. I know you said in your last column that this last freeze we had did some damage, and it did but something was wrong with them already. Please help!
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi Shannon, I am a bit stumped. I know Boston ivy and Boston fern, but I have never heard of Boston shrubbery. That being said, here is some general advice. It sounds like the foliage was not looking great before the harsh winter and is even worse this spring. It is true that many of the broadleaf evergreens were damaged during the winter months, but since your plant was showing signs of stress beforehand, there may be more than one issue. Treatment depends on the cause of stress, so it is important to figure out what is causing the problem. You can take a sample of the plant to the McCreary County Cooperative Extension Service (https://mccreary.ca.uky.edu/). The horticulture agent will be able to identify and offer treatment options. Your local garden center or nursery may also have a knowledgeable staff that can give you advice. I hope this at least sets you in the right direction.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
