Question
I have searched through this website and can't find this particular problem with my Rose of Sharon shrubs. This year I have cut down entire portions of the oldest specimens because they died (or mostly died) from a splitting of the bark at the base. I keep them about 4-5 feet high and they are not in a particularly windy area (thinking it was stress from the wind wracking their trunks.) I keep them fertilized and mulched, but am careful to keep it from touching the trunks. There has been no lawnmower or trimmer damage and they don't look like they've been chewed. They just get to about 2 inches in diameter and split at the base up the trunk (a vertical split). Then water & rot can get in and over a year or two, that section dies. What is happening and how can I help my lovely Sharons?

Answer
Pamela,

This is a difficult diagnosis without actually seeing the plant. I have done some research, but have come up with nothing that would explain the damage. I have put a call into a researcher with Cornell Cooperative extension about this problem. Please send me an E-mail so I can get back to you with any answer that I get. E-mail me at [email protected].

Ed Gulliksen