Question
My plant is about ten years old and about 8 ft high and has always been an absolute picture but from last summer up until now is has been dropping it's leaves.  I can see no desease on them when examined and the red leaves are growing beautifully but I suppose they will also full off when matured.  We live on the south coast and it is exposed but that has never been a problem before. What would happen if we cut it right back?

Answer
Ann,

I would have to say that the conditions that you are seeing is probably from any flooding that may have occured within the past 2- 3 years. Normally root damage from salt water will not manifest itself right away, but will stress the plants over a few years ubtil th plant dies.

I would recommend fertilization to help rebuild the root systems and improve overall health.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen