We have a rose of Sharon bush and it died suddenly. It is 6 to 7 years old, and showed no signs of stress. In fact, last year, it had the most beautiful blooms ever. What could we have done to prevent this? We have 2 more of these bushes, and would hate to see this happen again! They get sunlight until late afternoon, and we are on sandy soil.

Every year the onset of spring brings with it different changes to our gardens. We can expect occasional winter die back of branches on rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). With careful spring maintenance pruning to remove the dead wood, we will still enjoy a multitude of flowers that are produced on this year’s growth. While the past winter was very cold, death is seldom the result of one problem, but a combination of conditions over the life of that plant. The best defense you have is to always remember “right plant right place,” improve watering and fertilizing practices, and keep an eye out for insects and diseases that can stress a plant and leave it vulnerable to winter kill.