I have a brug that has a spotchy looking trunk...not sure how else to describe it.
Any idea whether or not this is something to worry about or may it have been caused by the hot weather, too much rain, etc. It, also, has lost much of it's foliage. Would appreciate any input.
Jarie
Mission, TX
Rio Grande Valley
Zone 9
This message has been edited by jas4141 on Sep 21, 2007 12:53 PM
Jarie, I would just watch it. There are so many things that can cause a brug. to do things we don't expect. It does worry me however that it is losing all of it's leaves. That tells me it is ill or under alot of stress.
My first guess would be hail, but it's really hard to tell. Losing leaves can be many things from too much or too little water to heat or cold and quick changes. Mites can also cause leaves to drop. Like Patricia said, watch it and see what happens.
Hi maji...are you new to the forum? If so...welcome!
I think nearly everyone here will tell you the joys of growing brugs far outweighs issues that might arise. When they come into bloom and release their fabulous fragrance, we're all elated.
Given good care, brugs are workhorses. The amount of growth they can put on in one year, combined with several flushes of large flowers, is pretty amazing.
It is unfortunate that they are attractive to a number of insect pests and can get diseases. We go after the pests and hope not to see diseases. The plants with major problems are usually infrequently encountered. Keeping the plants well watered and well fed...along with careful practices in keeping litter disposed of and avoiding using the same cutting utensils on more than one plant without sterilization in between, can do a lot to help avoid diseases.
I won't say brugs are trouble free, nor low maintenance. Very few people can successfully stick them in the garden and forget them. But those of us willing to give them the attention they need have been greatly rewarded for our efforts. I hope you'll give your new brugs a good home and you love them as much as the rest of us. Let us know when you discover that just 3 isn't enough!
Patrick
Brug Moderator
USDA Zone 8b
Heat Zone 3
Sunset Zone 5
SeaTac, WA...one cool place
Don't be discouraged by my "splotchy trunk" because it's the only one of the MANY, MANY brugs that I have that has developed this...and it may not be a problem at all, just a bump in the road. As Patrick mentioned, brugs are a joy to grow and so rewarding with their beauty and fragrance. They do require plenty of moisture, fertilizer and treatment for pests when they become a bother.
Good luck with your new hobby and become a frequent visitor to our forum. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Jarie
Mission, TX
Rio Grande Valley
Zone 9
This message has been edited by jas4141 on Sep 23, 2007 2:39 PM
Hi Magi. Welcome to this forum. You will get to know lots of very nice and helpful people here. Jump right in and let us get to know you. We are all very happy that you chose to join us.
Ruth Ann, sorry so long in getting back to you but have been SOOO busy.
There is no foliage left near the "splotchy" part...has lost those leaves. A few leaves still remain where the branches are normal looking and some new sprouting is taking place. I'm hoping that it is weather related and the whole thing will regenerate foliage but if not will remove the entire tree just in case it's something that could be spread.
No idea about the splotches, but perhaps a photo tip...
Jarie, are you using auto-focus? If so, try holding your camera with one hand and place your other hand even with the trunk. Then you should be able to lightly press the shutter button on the camera, not all the way down, just enough to engage the auto-focus. Once the camera is focused where you want it, hold the button there while you move your hand out and finish pressing the button to snap the picture. Does that make sense, lol? Basically, by blocking out most of the background and making the foreground bigger, it gets the camera to "see" where you want it to focus.
One other question, the plants with the white and purple flowers behind the Brug, what are they called? A purple one moved into our backyard and I have no idea what to call it.
Lynne
USDA 9b, Heat 10
Bradenton, Florida
Current Kanji: hana (flower)
Lynne, I use that focusing technique a lot. My camera is notorious for seeming to focus what I want, only to discover it focused on the background instead. Sometimes I leave my hand in place for a size comparison.
Patrick
Brug Moderator
USDA Zone 8b
Heat Zone 3
Sunset Zone 5
SeaTac, WA...one cool place
Thanks, Lynne, for the tip. Will have to try that. Right now we are traveling so will check it out when I get back.....with that same trunk if possible.
I'm thinking of removing that entire brug if it doesn't leaf out pretty soon. That will tell me that it's probably not the weather conditions. It's a NOID so won't "hurt" too much.
Yes, Patrick & Lynne, that's vinca and it grows like a weed in our climate. I bought about 5 different varieties several years ago and they come back volunteer year after year. They fill in nicely but often I pull them out because they spring up where I don't particularly want them and far too many most of the time. My favorites are the white, bright pink and a white with red center. Mine get very tall and branch out beautfiully.
first of all if you are new to our forum. 
My favorites are the white, bright pink and a white with red center. Mine get very tall and branch out beautfiully.