You could always Google for images to see if you recognise them. They need a bit of shelter. Try to place near a barrier or other taller shrubs. They do not like the high winds. Apart from Confusa, I think many garden centres try to make it seem like the shrubs can grow on any type of soil. I think in reality, they prefer a much more richer and heavier soil over dry free draining soil.
They're fairly sheltered, but I will try a heavier soil to see if that helps, thanks.
I agree about garden centres, our local one is on the south downs, which is chalk, but they happily sell azaleas and camellias without indicating that they might not be happy going straight into the ground!
Elderberry, that's not the worst. I was in a garden centre 2 weeks ago and they were selling dead shrubs that had clearly damaged by the recent cold weather. I noticed no signs to warn potential buyers that Lophomyrtus is actually quite a tender shrub.
I had a large-ish one which had to be moved because of building work. It was about 3 ft high and across. I pruned it lightly then dug it up and replanted it elsewhere. It is fine. Despite the fact I moved it in the summer and despite the fact I didn't particularly fuss over it afterwards.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
I'd love to have mine nearer the house entrance but it would mean yet another pot to water in summer and i just don't know if i want the scent quite that much. Would make a nice change from box balls, but we only have one reasonable size and one tiny one....decisions decisions!
@UpNorth I am not an experienced gardener and I would hate to misslead anyone, so I have looked online and can't see any warnings about moving them so I have a feeling I was confusing them with another shrub. My apologies 😖
Was it daphne you were thinking of MrsGlaze? They hate having any root disturbance - pretty sure I lost one just by planting a few bulbs in the vicinity.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
I've got both types, put in a few years ago in different places, but they have never flowered for me. Do they have to get to a decent size first or do they need some sunshine?
I have a sarcoccocca humilis and I have never noticed the scent outside. For years I kept say 'these should smell'. It's only when I cut the flowers and took them inside did I notice the scent.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
I have five Christmas box that are all doing well in various locations around the garden. The ground is chalky and/or clay. They are in both exposed, sheltered, full sun and in shade. They are all growing well. Four of them come from the mother plant and were potted up until large enough till I found their new home.
A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.
I have five Christmas box that are all doing well in various locations around the garden. The ground is chalky and/or clay. They are in both exposed, sheltered, full sun and in shade. They are all growing well. Four of them come from the mother plant and were potted up until large enough till I found their new home.
It sounds like the only difference between your garden and mine is that I've got no clay, which might corroborate the idea that a heavier soil is good for them.
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They're fairly sheltered, but I will try a heavier soil to see if that helps, thanks.
I agree about garden centres, our local one is on the south downs, which is chalk, but they happily sell azaleas and camellias without indicating that they might not be happy going straight into the ground!
@hogweed - good to hear.
I'd love to have mine nearer the house entrance but it would mean yet another pot to water in summer and i just don't know if i want the scent quite that much. Would make a nice change from box balls, but we only have one reasonable size and one tiny one....decisions decisions!
It sounds like the only difference between your garden and mine is that I've got no clay, which might corroborate the idea that a heavier soil is good for them.