When FW lived in my shaded atrium for a few years, completely out of direct sunlight, she still got that Spring desiccation on almost every leaf, every year. Back then the consensus was cool temps/cool winds on those freshly leafed-out edges.

After Olive Bailey Langdon moved in (2006), FW left the building. OBL has been with me since 2006 and gets early morning sun, and only once or twice have I noticed any slight browning on any of her leaves in Spring.

-Babka

Hi BK...I just took a pic of FW along with others today. She doesn't look terrific due to the cursed necrosis, but her leaves are huge, lots still blue and I just love her...we go back many years as I've taken her along when I moved.

I experimented with her this year...in mostly shade she did not get her edges melted out, but you are in a much hotter zone. Since you are allowing her a last chance, could you adopt Mocc's umbrella solution perhaps to provide shade during April? And ramp up the water significantly? I think air circulation is also key when it's scorching outside...our humidity was so high that it took 2days only for the desiccation to hit.

I have mine in a poor location ( under deck, close to brick wall which retains heat in summer...ugh) but she will have a better growing site next spring.
Regardless of this negative growing locale, she is doing better than she should.

OBL is not supposed to have that problem but I don't think it can be helped when temperatures soar to 100 or more. Mine is new this year.

Again, my F W won't win any awards for esthetics, but if you can ignore the blemishes and see beyond them........you have been a trooper about your FW, no one can blame you if she gets the thumbs down...it's up to you. Fingers crossed for better luck next year. :-).

Josephones- I was referring to the Spring desiccation happens shortly after she leafs out, before the hot weather hits. When it gets corking hot, everything needs lots of water.

Your FW has retained its blue color very well.

-Babka

Hi babka...isn't it interesting how things go when posts cross cyberspace? It took me awhile to compose my message as I had interruptions throughout so I wasn't aware of your message until after I had posted. .....I like your expression "corking hot" ...just how hot is it in Spring in NorCal, seriously?

I cannot imagine being able to garden as long as you, BKay and Mocc do, as much as you likely can't imagine my short growing season. I guess I just can't relate. lol

Sometime, maybe during Alphabet, do you think it's possible to see a pic of your OBL? I just have a young one...never viewed a pic of a 7-yr old and would love to see what I have to look forward to. Sounds like she's growing well for you.

Jo

Yup, Babka, you said it (windburn). I have a 'Frances Williams' that got some windburn in the spring. Not too badly but...Yes indeed it can/does happen.

Don B.