Can anyone tell me how to save my skimmia japonica? I had 4 plants, 1 male and 3 females. I already lost one of the females, now the others are yellowing fast. They were put in last September, and started turning yellow about 2 months ago. We've had a lot of rain, so I have been careful not to over water. Thanks in advance!
Cynthia
Hi Cindy, I think you have mistook the reason for lots of sun then withholding the watering.
The plants are being scorched by the high temps and direct sun hitting them, so they will require a bit more water (AROUND THE ROOT AREA) than usual.
Now the plants are suffering from dehydration, added stress and loosing them, I would make a shelter for the plants, NOT a large big structure BUT, maybe make a tent by nailing an old cloth to garden canes and sticking the canes in the soil so the cloth cover the plant to give shelter,
Dont allow the cloth to lay against the plant, the canes should be high enough to let air flow, above and through the plants.
Next, make sure the soil is getting wet enough after you give water to the root areas, check the water is NOT running off the surface as in hot weather, there is a crust that forms across the soil and this prevents water seeping down to the roots.
For newly planted tree's / shrubs I woud dig a hole close to the roots, stick a clear polastic empty drinks container into the hole, removing to cap and cutting the bottom of the container, place the container into the hole neck (narrow end downwards) back fill the hole with soil and fill up the container with water, you need to leave about 2 inches of the container out of the soil to allow you to fill up with water, this method can be left in place for several years till you feel the shrubs are able to fend the temps for themselves, also use the watering for any seasonal feeding you need, liquid feeds ofcourse.
Hope this helps you save the other shrubs and they begin to recover with extra care as given.
Kindest Regards.
WeeNel.
