| landscaping of all new shrubs done in May....watering done daily...all 4 of japanese skimmia leaves all dry and brown...however...new green growth and berries appearing....what's the problem and what can I do to keep them healthy???? Many thanks///Leslie Flamenbaum |
| Based on your description I am not able to tell you exactly what happened, but the discoloration is not normal or healthy. However if they are growing well now that is a good sign. Daily watering can sometimes encourage fungal infections and other diseases due to constant dampness on the foliage. Sometimes too new plants are still in the process of rooting and undergo some transplant shock, or suffer water stress in hot dry spells especially the first summer. Overwatering or underwatering can cause root damage which shows as foliage problems. Also, skimmia needs shade and so tolerates a little gentle morning sun or bright dappled light all day -- but no intense noontime or hot afternoon sun; too much sun can burn the foliage. Overfertilizing or chemical or herbicide exposure can also cause browning.... I would strongly suggest you check with your county extension and/or a professionally trained and certified nurseryman to try to get a specific diagnosis of the browning,in case it is something that needs to be treated or watched for next year. Good luck with your skimmias -- they are wonderful plants. |
