Question
QUESTION: Hi, I live in SC Kansas (zone 6b). I planted six one gallon Weigela 'Wine & Roses' shrubs this past April. I planted them with no problems, and they have been looking great and growing well. In fact they are still growing. I have them planted on the south side of my house about 2 1/2 feet from the foundation. They get full sun all day, which is what most people and nurseries suggest for the most vibrant color.
However, a couple of them are getting leaf scorch. The ends of some the leaves, and in some cases an entire leaf, turns brown and crispy.
Now, the other ones are doing great, and one has hardly any leaf scorch at all. (Maybe on the tip of one leaf.)
I called the nursery I purchased them from, and they said this is not uncommon for recently planted shrubs. He told me to give them a light trim in order to encourage the roots to spread out. I have also been watering them every 1-2 days. I have very, very well drained soil, so there is little danger in overwatering.
So, my qauestion is, is this normal and is there anything else I can do to help this condition from worsening? Or...is it something other than leaf scorch?  And if these shrubs are scorching now, will they also scorch when they are mature?
Below are the links to the photos.

Here is a direct link to one of the Weigela 'Wine & Roses' shrubs with leaf scorch:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/samnsarah/DSCN3431.jpg

Here is a direct link to another one of the Weigela 'Wine & Roses' shrubs with leaf scorch:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/samnsarah/DSCN3432.jpg

And here is a photo of one of the Weigela 'Wine & Roses' shrubs that has no or very little leaf scorch:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/samnsarah/DSCN3434.jpg

ANSWER: Hello Timothy

This could indeed be leaf scorch - being on the south side of the house means that the plants do get plenty of sun.  If water splashes onto the leaves when you water them it will make scorching almost inevitable.  Only water in the evening when the sun's heat has lessened a bit.

Strong wind - either hot or cold - can also cause scorch.

Leaf scorch is not unusual and can be seen on mature plants, but as yours are 'red' leafed they may be less effected as they mature. In any event the condition may be unsightly, but it shouldn't kill the plants.  

Pruning wont encourage the plants to spread their roots!

Gill  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just out of curiosity, what did you mean when you wrote 'red' leafed?  What does 'red' leafed have to do with how much heat and sun a plant can tolerate as it matures?

Answer
Hello again Timothy

Red leaves have no (or very little} chlorophyll in them (chlorophyll is what makes green leaves green!).

Red leaves don't become more tolerant to the suns rays as the plant matures - but they do need the sun to maintain that vibrant color.

Gill