How to revive wilting Oakville Crimson Spire?

[jayjoshi]

Hi everyone, I just bought an Oakville Crimson Spire - Prunus cerasifera from one of the Bunnings store. The leaves of the plant looked a bit wilted when I bought it. I assumed maybe it's not getting enough sun in the store and maybe that's causing the issue. However I have planted in the ground and it's still the same. It's 2 weeks now. Is the plant dying? Can I do anything to revive it.

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @jayjoshi,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

Your Oakville Crimson Spire is almost certainly experiencing transplant shock combined with a lack of sufficient water, which is quite common after planting. 

When moved from a pot into the ground, the plant’s roots can become disturbed and struggle to establish themselves in the new soil. This can temporarily reduce the plant’s ability to absorb water, leading to wilting leaves even if you’re watering regularly. 

The best way to help it recover is to maintain consistent moisture in the soil. It will likely struggle for a while, but it needs that water. You want the soil to be damp but not sodden. Deep watering twice a week will encourage the roots to grow downward and establish more effectively.  

Avoid fertilising for now, as the plant needs time to recover and rebuild its root system. 

With steady watering and a bit of patience, your Crimson Spire should begin to bounce back within a few weeks as new growth appears and the leaves regain their firmness.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[jayjoshi]

Thanks for the response Jacob. My only doubt is that the plant was in the same condition when I got it so I am not sure if it's transplant shock. Could it be that the plant was already in shock when I got it for some other reason.

[JacobZ]

Hi @jayjoshi,

If you purchased it with wilting leaves, then it certainly wasn't at 100% at that time.

I would give it two more weeks, ensuring you keep the soil moist with 2 deep waterings a week, and if there is no improvement, you can always return it with your receipt under our Perfect Plant Promise. Details can be found on the Returns page of our website.

Ultimately, you are covered for up to a year, so you can give it longer if you wish, but I would expect to see some improvement by the 1-month mark after planting.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Jacob

[jayjoshi]

Thanks Jacob. Sure I'll give it a couple of more weeks and hopefully it gets back to normal. It will save me of the hassle of taking out the plant and repotting it.