Q.Smoke bush growing at the bottom but not the top!
Hi. I have a smoke bush, recently planted (4 months ago). It has bloomed but over the summer the bottom of the bush has sprouted branches and growth… but the top appears to be doing little, with a few drying green leaves (where at the bottom the growth is lush and red). Thanks Meg
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
The most common reasons for suppressed growth in the upper part of a plant are inadequate watering/drought stress, or a wound or structural defect of the stem that is preventing circulation of water and nutrients to the top. Inspect the stem and branch structure carefully for defects or rodent damage. Have you had extreme drought conditions or fire? Herbicide drift/overspray contamination?
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
