Will granular feed kill if it smothers a plant

Question

Most of my potted plants (roses, azalea, helebore) were covered in granular feed when it was mistaken for decorative covering. After a few weeks, I realised & removed it all but my plants are now brown twigs. I tried to prune as it’s spring in a hope they will recover but they’re all “dead”. Do I give it time or is it a lost cause?

• 
• 
• 

Answer 1

Did you also flush the pots with water repeatedly? If not, do that. You might even replace the soil. I still see some green so they might recover.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-fertilizer-burn.htm