Winter Injury

This damage is not caused by an infectious disease, but probably caused by a harsh winter, therefore its called winter injury. You can check to see if the branches are still alive by cutting one or two stems about 3 inches below the existing buds. Look for healthy, green or off white tissue that is not brittle. If you find healthy tissue, you can cut the plant back just a bit (removing the dead leaves and buds) to encourage new growth. If the plant does not require the amount of water its currently exposed to, we suggest you move the plant to another location just before or immediately after pruning, apply an all purpose fertilizer, used according to label directions, and water appropriately for the plants needs. This will help to initiate new growth and a healthy root system. If you find brown or brittle tissue when pruning the plant its probably dead, or at least too far gone to generate new growth.