Question
Hi.  Last year we planted four snowball plants.  This year they all bloomed.  About a month or less into that the blooms are turning brown.  The leaves still look good.  We have had a lot of rain this year so far.  Hardly any sun also.  I thought the blooms would last longer.  What do you think is wrong?  Thank you.

Answer
Carole:
From your description, I do not think there is a disease issue here.  I suspect that the short bloom cycle is probably related to an envirnomental thing such as temperature and/or the rainfall amount.  Sometimes if the temperature drops, this may affect blooms.  If the leaves look OK and there is not outward evidence of bark damage/ root excavation/injury, it is probably just weather.  Continue to monitor your plants and if leaves wilt or turn brown, you may wish to contact your local nursery or your local county Extension office to arrange for someone to see your plants in person.

Regards
Steve