Kerria Japonica - bad year?
 

When cutting down a jungle, I decided to keep a couple of clumps of this
as I thought it was a nice plant. I'm having second thoughts. It looks
unhealthy, scorched leaf margins and yellowing leaves for the last few
months and it's thinned out.

- Has it just been a bad year?
- Old age (probably at least 30 years
- Some nutritional need?
- Disease?

Thanks!

Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com

Kerria Japonica - bad year?
 

"Steve Harris" wrote in message
...
When cutting down a jungle, I decided to keep a couple of clumps of this
as I thought it was a nice plant. I'm having second thoughts. It looks
unhealthy, scorched leaf margins and yellowing leaves for the last few
months and it's thinned out.

- Has it just been a bad year?
- Old age (probably at least 30 years
- Some nutritional need?
- Disease?

Thanks!

Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address


steve AT netservs DOT com


My Kerria has been nothing like as good as usual this year I think its the
result of all the strange weather patterns
I have got loads of shrubs that were half dead in the drought despite daily
watering that are now sprouting new leaves as if it was spring

I dont think the garden knows whether its coming or going

Kerria Japonica - bad year?
 

If it's been there 30 years, it may well be woody and unproductive at the
centre. However, the scorched leaf margins suggest it would prefer a bit
more shade. It it possible to dig up and replant some of the younger outer
growth in a more sheltered site? This would give you the opportunity to
prepare fresh ground really well. Where it is, it has almost certainly
exhausted most trace elements, if not its entire food source.
Spider
Steve Harris wrote in message
...
When cutting down a jungle, I decided to keep a couple of clumps of this
as I thought it was a nice plant. I'm having second thoughts. It looks
unhealthy, scorched leaf margins and yellowing leaves for the last few
months and it's thinned out.

- Has it just been a bad year?
- Old age (probably at least 30 years
- Some nutritional need?
- Disease?

Thanks!

Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com

Kerria Japonica - bad year?
 

In article ,
(Spider) wrote:

However, the scorched leaf margins suggest it would prefer a bit
more shade.

Neither of the clumps is really in full sun and one os seriously dark.

Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com

Kerria Japonica - bad year?
 

Hi Steve,
It's beginning to sound more like drought, as bnd 777 suggests.
Since they are both in shade, there will be competition from the roots of
the neighbouring shade-casting planting, as well as the rain-shadow from all
that foliage.
The damaged leaves will be shed soon anyway, so I would be inclined to water
and mulch generously now. Before you do, inspect the ground around the
roots. If it is compacted, aerate the ground with a fork(as you would for a
lawn) so that the water can more easily reach the roots. It will also help
the roots 'breathe' and expand. In the spring, try a balanced fertiliser
followed by a high potash feed (rose or tomato food) during or after
flowering.
Spider

Steve Harris wrote in message
...
In article ,
(Spider) wrote:

However, the scorched leaf margins suggest it would prefer a bit
more shade.

Neither of the clumps is really in full sun and one os seriously dark.

Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com