Q: We have 30-year-old Rhaphiolepis indica planted in a slightly raised planter.Β One side was particularly hit hard by the freeze a few years ago (17 degrees in Tucson in February), or so we thought, until we caught a couple of deer munching on that particular shrub. It never recovered from the munching. The shrubs on the other side of the planter were doing well until four deer became emboldened and began munching on the flowers and new leaf growth on the other side near our front gate. Those plants, too, have stopped putting on new leaves and weeks later look exactly like the deer left them. What can we do to rejuvenate the plants/encourage them to grow again?
A:Β Deer munching is definitely a hazard for Rhaphiolepis indica (Indian hawthorn), so some sort of fencing or detours around your shrub are required before you spend a lot of time on rejuvenation.
The best time to prune is around May or when it is finished blooming. You can selectively prune out the damaged branches where deer were feeding. From your photo the shrub looks pretty full and selective pruning should help open it up to more light, air, and water as well. Otherwise, continue to provide sufficient water, fertilize annually and monitor deer activity as needed.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.comΒ
