ROYAL PURPLE SMOKE BUSH

Question

I think our bush has died from winter hazards. The leaves never fell and seem petrified. Is there any way to save it, or cut back and start new plantings? (I’m sorry, but I haven’t the heart yet to go out and look at it closely….:)

Thanks.

Answer 1

It would seem that you are zone 4, which will be right outside of its hardiness zone. If the plant went completely unprotected over winter, then there is a likely possibility that it is dead. You can check by cutting it back until you find firm growth that is not brittle. If the whole this is brittle, then cut it all the way back. If you see no growth in a month or two, then it is likely dead.