ceanothus

[lesley]

Could anyone tell me why my previously stunning ceanothus seems to have died. All the folliage has gone brown - it was well established and has survived at least three winters here in the north of england. Would there be any point in cutting it back and hoping it may recover! Any advice would be appreciated. thanks

[Neil Bromhall]

Some plants will shed their leaves if stressed by drought as it reduces water loss, so it might be an idea to leave your shrub a bit longer to see if there is any sign on life after all the rain we've had.
If no sign of life appear soon, you might as well cut it back rather than dig it up ast there might still be life in the roots.
Most ceanothus don't like being hard pruned to old wood though.
Best wishes
neil