Sun scorched plants beyond saving?

[FineBerol]

I went on holiday last week and asked my neighbour to water my garden. Turns out they forgot and we had a heat wave!!

These 2 are the worst hit. How can i save them?

I've given them a good soaking

With the California Lilac I'm tempted to cut off as much as possible and take it to a tiny ball if I have to

But with the Azelea I don't know what to do as you're not meant to cut them?

I would keep watering really well and wait till next spring. It may be the top growth only that is damaged. As they are well established they probably have deep roots down in the cool.

Cut off anything that's dead, scrape the bark if it's green underneath you're grand. If it's dead it's not going to come back. Don't overdo the watering. The plant won't need as much water, having lost so much top growth, and you don't want the roots to rot.

I bet you neighbour feels dreadful....they should do!

But with the Azelea I don't know what to do as you're not meant to cut them? Anything that’s dead can be cut yo your heart’s content.

but don’t cut anything until spring. A branch can be alive even though the leaves are dead