Q.Weigela bush
I have a weigela bush that has a lot of bare branches at the back (it is in an open area) of it and the branches at the front of it are blooming nicely with lots of leaves and flowers but nothing at the back. We had an ice storm last winter and there was a lot of damage to trees, etc. Could this have damaged the bush? How can I fix this problem? I need help!
Thank You
Joyce Courtney
Yes, the winter probably damaged your bush. It could be that the late ice storm hit the back side of the bush, or that the front was protected in some way. But the cold was enough to kill the buds that were forming on that side. The answer is pruning. Determine it the branches are dead, or what part of them is dead, by bending them - if they snap apart and are all brown, they're dead. If they still have some green tissue, they're still alive. Prune off the dead branches, or parts of branches, and the bush should eventually make new growth. It can take 2 or 3 years for plants to recover from winter damage. Here's more information on pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/weigela/pruning-weigela.htm