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Viburnum 'Mariesii' with brown areas on many leaves (and petals)

keepitlivekeepitlive Posts: 102
in Problem solving
I bought the above shrub about 12 days ago from a local nursery/garden centre, at which point it looked fabulous. I noticed yesterday that many of the leaves (and petals) have developed brown areas at the edges and tips.

The shrub is about 50cm height and spread. It was planted on the day of purchase in a large container (32cm height, 40cm diameter) in a mix of John Innes no.3 and a good multi-purpose, with several handfuls of potting grit, then well-watered. Subsequent watering was every other day. All the watering was done with a long-reach can directly onto the soil, not the foliage.

My first thought was that the recent very hot weather was to blame. Could anyone confirm this or suggest an alternative.

Thanks

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I'd say it's down to the weather. I'm no expert, but I've not seen any disease or virus that may cause that.
    Might anything have been been spilt on the plant? or a dog doing some 'marking'?
    My guess would be that it'll be fine, but see what others think

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • keepitlivekeepitlive Posts: 102
    edited May 2018
    Thanks for the suggestions Pete8. Nothing spilt and no dogs would have access. We quite often get damage at the front of the property from local cats spraying, but the symptom there is yellowing foliage.
    The nursery also suspected the weather, saying that the shrub would 're-leaf' and that it was 'a bit of a shade-lover', so I'll watch, pray and move it into shade if we get any more brutally hot weather.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I find these are a bit more sensitive than most viburnum and can be fussy about weather, water, light levels. It may well have sunburn but rather than moving it in hot weather, I would suggest finding a permanent spot where it has a more gentle mix of sun and shade.
  • keepitlivekeepitlive Posts: 102
    Thanks Posy. I only planned to leave it in the pot for the rest of this year - after that it is to go in open ground. It's in is a pot-bellied Ali Baba type container and anything left in there becomes increasingly difficult to remove.

    It's a shame that plant labels and even more thorough descriptions often fail to point out a plants critical likes and dislikes.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I couldn't agree more! So many plants sold as completely hardy in any soil or position. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    i'd agree with Posy. If a plant suddenly has a very sunny spot  [when it possibly hasn't at the nursery]  and it's very hot and dry, it can cause a bit of disruption. The shock of planting it in the first place is sometimes enough - new environment etc, but viburnums will recover. 
    They're not great pot specimens - often hard to keep them well enough hydrated - but as you're only keeping it in one short term, it'll be fine. 
    A little bit more shade and some steady hydration will help.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • williamsewilliamse Posts: 9
    Hello I have experienced exactly the same problem except that my Viburnum has been in the ground since last year. Can I ask if yours recovered please? Thanks
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