Dead Globulus Topiary Eugenia ?

Question

I purchased 2 Globulus Topary Eugenia last spring (2019) and planted them myself. They were beautiful all summer long. I had to trim them to retain their shape 3 times during the year. They both turned brown this winter and I thought maybe that was normal dormancy but they don’t look like they are budding at all and most of the info I’m getting online imply that they don’t turn brown during the winter at all. Now I’m wondering if they are dead. Now that I’m looking at the picture I’m sending I’m sure you are chuckling and saying “Yep, that’s dead”. Thanks for any comments besides that one. 🙂

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Answer 1

These small shrubs are, almost exclusively, tropical. They cannot tolerate temperatures dipping down below about 25 degrees. Because of this, they are typically grown in containers for the duration of their lives. The winter has killed them.

Now, let's address the second thing- They are grown in container, usually, so that they can retain their topiary structure. Retaining the shape, often, requires root pruning. For this reason, keeping one in this state will be much easier in container.

If you choose these for an outdoor shrub, it will be best to keep them in container to move indoors over the winter. It will be easier to maintain this way, as well.

Here is an article that will help you with the care of the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/eugenia/growing-eugenia-plants.htm