Question
I whacked back some 5 yr. old shrubs 2 years ago.  Last year and so far this year they failed to produce any buds/flowers.  The leafs are green and appear healthy  -  just no buds.  What's the problem?

Answer
John,

Sometimes when you severely cut back flowering shrubs, especially if it done at the wrong time of the year (early Spring or late Fall), it sends the plants into a shock like state. If you pruned at the times mentioned, you removed all of the flower buds for the next season.

Ordinarily, the plants will replace the flower buds, if healthy enough, within 2- 3 years. I would recommend using a low nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and fall to help the process along. The low nitrogen will encourage flower production.

Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen