| Why are my skimmia's wilting? They are in shade from noon on, I water them about every third day? The leaves go limp, and start to lose their green and eventually turn brown. They are part of a landscaping job we had installed in March of this year. What can I do? Thank you. |
| Skimmia will grow in full shade to part sun (morning sun is best), in rich, moist, well-draining soils. If they are planted too deeply, they will not flower; if soil is poor, the leaves will wilt and turn brown. You didn't say how the soil was prepared prior to planting. It's important to mix in lots of organic matter at the root level to facilitate good drainage and yet provide adequate moisture at the root area. If the soil was not amended, you may need to dig your plants, prepare the soil, then replant, in order to save them. When you water, water deeply, then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering deeply again. Skimmia is not a heavy feeder, but if the foliage is an off-green or is yellowing, you can apply an acidified fertilizer (such as for rhododendrons and azaleas) at rates as recommended on the label. Best wishes with your skimmia! |
