Question
I bought a plant called Leptospermum Pink Glory and I'm not sure if it's a bush or a tree. It was trimmed into a big round ball when I bought it.  It took me a few days to plant and even though I kept it watered, it looks like it's dead to me.  I cannot tell.  The leaves look shriveled but it doesn't "snap" if you break off a small branch.  Should I leave it and see if it recovers?  How should I care for it in the meantime?

Answer
Hello Debby

Some Leptospermums are trees and some are shrubs.  From you description I would think that yours is a shrub.

As this is a usually trouble-free plant, I can't understand why it should have died just because it was kept in its pot for a few days before planting into the garden - especially as you say you kept it watered.

It does need a well drained soil, so if you planted it into a boggy area, that might have something to do with its demise!

One way you can tell if there is any life left in the plant at all is to scrape away a little of the bark, with a sharp knife, to expose the wood underneath.  If you uncover any green material then there may be a chance - leave the shrub where it is and keep a look out for buds developing along the stems.  If you see these, cut the stems back to just above the bud, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to help things along.

If there are no positive developments within the next three weeks or so I think you will have to accept that the plant is dead.

Gill