Hello, I would like to ask some advice about my Rose of Sharon, which we've had for 4-5 years. Typically, it sprouts leaves and blooms much later than the rest of our trees/shrubs. This year, however, it never did get any buds or leaves. My husband suspected it had died, but I showed him with a small scratch on the trunk that it was still green under the outer layer. Recently, I noticed it is sprouting a lot of new growth only at the base of the trunk, and out of a crack in the lower part of the trunk. I'm wondering if I need to cut it down and let it re-start, or should I leave it and wait until next Spring to see what it does? I would appreciate any advice you can give! Thank you!

HI Merle, Rose of Sharon are notorious for having some dieback over the winter and this one is obviously struggling. they do bloom on old and new wood so it still has a chance to bloom. I would suggest cutting out anything that is obviously dead and see what happens this year and next spring. you may need a place with better soil drainage or more sunlight. good luck, sandy