Where do you live? What was your lowest temp this winter? Looks like winter burn.

I live in central North Carolina. Our lowest temp was 8 F. And thats not normal for us. Uusally our low is 15. Should I cut it out of the bush?

The area in the vicinity of the shrub looks dry to me but it is hard to tell. For example, grass in my zone 7B has leafed out giving a greenish color to my surroundings. In the picture, the grass looks yellow but I cannot tell if that is due to lack of moisture or because it has not leafed out yet and remains winter dormant. The way to tell for sure would be to insert a finger into the ground to a depth of 4" and see how it feels. If it feels moist then it is ok. If it feels dry then water it. Dead or dried out branches can be pruned at any time, thomis. Since large areas of NC are officially in drought, I would also extend the mulch to the drip line if you can afford it. It will help you maintain the soil moisture for longer periods.

Luis pr,

Thanks for the response. I just went out and check the soil to 4", it is not dry and not wet. We have had a fairly wet winter and the soil in my yard tends to hold water anyway. The grass is just now starting to come alive. I'll prune out the dead growth. So it appears that its winterkill?

Could be the leaves are fried, but the twigs are still alive. I wouldn't prune anything until it leafs out this Spring.

??????? it is leafed out. that picture was taken 3 days ago. someone on another forum suggested fireblight. if the leaves are indeed fried, what fries leaves??

i think dave is saying "fried" to mean "burn", as in winter burn. it seems logical since the affected area is the upper, exposed portion of the shrub. a temp that low which frosted/froze the leaves, combined with early morning sunshine, can damage the foliage and flowers. you can wait to see if it recovers with new growth before removing them. there are dormant buds along the stems which can grow if the branch is still alive.

When the post referred to "when it leafs out," I suspect the reference is to "when the new growth leafs out."

Beyond that, here's the link to your question about fireblight or not.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/camellia/msg0310233525253.html?4

Here is a link that might be useful: your post about fireblight or not

Yes, I meant don't prune anything until 'the new growth comes out'.

I realize it's an evergreen.

It could possibly be a borer. They burrow into limbs and twigs and cut off nutrients and moisture from the point of insertion upwards. Also could be a disease called dieback.
I would find the part of the plant that is affected and look at the limbs - see if there is any evidence of borders - small pin like holes or if it's a type of disease or fungus, you will notice cracks and lesions on the limbs below the damage. Sometimes cold damage (if it applies to you) could cause problems like this - there again, I'd check the limbs to see if you notice anything different