On 07/05/2013 16:23, Ragnar wrote:
Remember I recently posted a photo of my ailing Skimmia?
I just dug it up and found it had next to no root system. It was at least
four years old so it must have had roots once. What could have been eating
it? I couldn't find any trace of larvae or fungal threads.
R. :-(



I've only just subscribed to U.R.G. so didn't see your picture. I also
have an ailing Skimmia where the leaves are yellowing and I've kept it
watered and fed it with the correct fertiliser.

On writing the last sentence I thought I better check my facts. Yes...
the Skimmia likes a neutral to acid soil... however I think I've just
sorted out why the leaves are yellowing. The border where it is situated
is in full sun... and the RHS website states:

-----------
Cultivation
Grow on a good neutral to acid soil with added humus (from leaf mould or
well-rotted manure). They will also tolerate a chalky soil that has been
improved with well-rotted organic matter. Avoid full sun which can cause
yellowing of the leaves
-----------

Bingo!

As you can probably gather... I've only just got the gardening bug,
hence the reason I subscribed to this NG. Please bear with me if I ask
silly questions. I promise to have tried to find the answer before I ask
in the NG!



--
Wendy Tinley
SE Sheffield
4 miles west of junction 30 M1