Question
A 10 year old weigelia shrub is presenting wilted leaves on all stems.  It blosomed normally this spring, however the stem from the center of the shrub to about 4' up had no leaves where they usually would.  Then the stem was normal for about 2' until now when they are dying off.   The wilt starts at the tip of the stem and rapidly proceeds down the stem.  Many new shoots are erupting from the base of the shrub. This is zone 4/5, 30 minutes north of Syracuse, NY.  This shrub grows in sun from noon until sundown and borders a wildlife refuge which contains many wild honeysuckle.  Do you have any idea what this wilt is caused by, how to control it, should I cut out the diseased stems and let the shrub regrow  from the bottom.  Also seeing the same symptoms in purple cone flowers planted 100' away from the shrub.  Thank you, John!

Answer
Hi Jacquie
Weigelia are not susceptable to many disease problems. Most of the time when you have similar symptoms in two different species of plants the cause is not a disease or insect problem. Is it possible that the plants have been over fertilized? The syptoms are as you describe. It may also be posible that the plants have been damaged from de-icing salt from the past winter. This usually takes a while to show up. Also , look at the base of the Weigelia to see if it has been damaged by mice or voles during the winter. If the bark at the base has been damaged it will show up as you describe. Hope this helps you figure out what is wrong. I would recommend waiting for a month or so to be sure what is dead and what is not before pruning. A weigelia can be cut to the ground and it will renew itself very well.  JOHN