What Is Wrong With My Sunshine Ligustrum?

Question

I planted these last summer and kept them watered regularly. With the construction around the house our sprinkler system has not worked for a while – so hand watering was all I had. A picture is attached. Will they come back.

Answer 1

It has deviated from the traditional yellow, but I suspect it is from drying winter winds or from winter sun scorch. I looked up your weather averages and it doesn't look like it gets very cold. Till spring rains arrive, water your shrubs at least once a month or before any extreme weather.

It does grow in your zone 8a so the shrub should be able to withstand your climatic variations. You can check to see if it is still alive by snapping off the end of twig. If it is supple and green inside, it is still alive. You can also scratch off some bark on a larger branch to look for green.

Planting right in the lawn subjects it to competition for water and nutrients, so in the spring, you might consider removing the grass right under it and replacing it with mulch. Wait till spring for further evaluation. Mine looked like yours last winter, but in the spring, it dropped the leaves and new leaves emerged.

Here is more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/ligustrum/growing-ligustrum-shrubs.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/winter-burn-in-evergreens.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/why-cold-affects-plants.htm