Cleyera can be planted all year round in any climate to which it's suited. Any time in the fall, winter, and early spring is great in warmer climates, but the summer is fine, too.

What are you attributing the leaf burn to?

I assume from the hot weather. Out of about 12, 3 of them are totally brown. So i do not believe water to be the factor. The ones that are doing better do get a little less sun than the ones that are brown.

More t han likely, the newly planted rootballs wer too small to keep up with the plants' needs.

Stick your finger into each of the original rootballs to determine if they need water. Water when needed.

I believe I have been properly watering, one thing I did do with the ones suffering is fill the planting hole with water and did not with the ones that are ok. Early in the week the soil was a little dry but I knew a monsoon was coming so I did not water. My main question is if I should cut back dead stems/leaves now to hopefully promote growth next spring.

how about a pic or two ...

leaves aside.. are there live buds on those branches ...???

often on transplant.. leaves might be sacrificed.. to save the buds.. that will grow in spring.. cut off the buds.. and who knows what will happen in spring ...

please explain further.. what you believe to be proper watering ....

pix please

ken

Cutting back dead material would be simply cosmetic and will not promote growth. If it's dead it can't affect growth. And if it's not dead you risk losing healthy shoots. I think most people would advise waiting to the spring to see how the plant grows away in the new season.

Thanks all for the comments.

Ken from what I gather on proper watering, this is what I did:

After planting, keep the soil around the roots moist not wet by watering approx. every 2-3 days when needed and then tapering back after a week or so and finally getting to about once a week. Watering all at once for about 45 min. With the amount of rain we have been getting in n. Texas I have not had to turn the sprinklers on for about 3-4 weeks.

I will get pics as soon as I get back in town.

I'm relieved to hear you have not been watering through that Texas deluge! I just want to echo the twin thoughts that if buds formed/are present, the plants will be fine, and there is no need to prune anything at this time. A deep breath, maybe two, will get you where you need to be!

I also see no reason whatsoever why your having filled holes with water at planting would be having any deleterious effect. That assuming there was time for drainage and at least considerable drying to occur before all that rain hit.

+oM

t-d, I think you know that a direct result of pruning is vegetative growth. That's a given.....an automatic physiological response. Given your location, your shrubs could flush out even now.....something that you do NOT want to encourage at this time of year for the sake of the plants.

Let your plants alone for the winter. Their roots will continue to grow and develop out of sight. In the early spring, prune back to outward growing buds and the plants will respond by new growth at the right time of year.

If you prune now, it will be at the sacrifice of the roots' ability to store energy and establish a new, strong system for your plants. And the subsequent new growth will be at risk of frost damage.

Thank you Tom and Rhizo....exactly the responses that I was waiting for. I did not notice any forming buds, however I was not looking either. I will give another look when I get back home. Either way I am pleased to hear that I should just let them be for the time being. I can use some rest from yard work for the year, no matter how much I enjoy it! :)