Question
Hi Vito

I live in Toronto, Ontario where we've had a cold, wet spring following a long, bitter winter.

I planted Polygonum vines three years ago to cover my large pergola.  In prior years, the vines grew 15 ft or more/year.  Last year, I had lovely flowers throughout the summer.

I pruned the vines back about 2-3 feet last fall (leaving about 20 ft that covered the pergola).  I fertilized with nitrogen about 4-5 weeks ago.  The soil is heavy clay amended by much compost.

The pergola is surrounded by fencing.  So the roots get very little sun.

This year very little is happening.  A few leaves have appeared closer to the roots but nothing is growing on the vines topping my pergola.  When I scratch the bark, the vines are green underneath.

I know that everything is very late this year.  But now even my wisteria is covered with leaves and my other plants have begun growing.

Is there still hope for my polygonum this year?  What should I do to get it kick-started?  Do I need to prune back more?  When is the best time to prune?

We got such pleasure from the polygonum last year.  This year is a real disappointment.  Anything that you can suggest would be a great help.

Thanks a bunch!

Pat  

Answer
Hi Pat,

Polygonum (Silver Fleece) vines are nearly indestructible. Although I wouldn't have fertilized with straight nitrogen, as long as you didn't overdue it I doubt that was the issue. Polygonum does best when cut back severely each spring. Some recommend cutting down to the ground, this helps keep it vigorous and in bounds. You may have some winter damage on the more exposed branches which explains why you only have growth closer to base of the plant. Snow acts as insulator and would have kept the base of the plant from experiencing extremes in temperature. If the bark is still green underneath then there is still a chance it will recover, however I wouldn't hesitate to do some additional pruning.

Hope this helps.

Vito