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What’s wrong with my Japanese holly cloud tree?

AcermaniaAcermania Posts: 19
in Problem solving
Hi all, I’m really sad, bought this ilex crenata holly cloud tree from the garden centre and planted it at the start of July last month. The leaves have all turned brown and shedding. And I don’t know what’s wrong with it. Thought these plants were pretty hardy and they were evergreen? I had made sure I added some grit to improve drainage mixed with compost for mature plants (John Ines 3). Any ideas at all how I can save it? Thanks very much. 
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  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Planting anything in July is dodgy. Did you soak the rootball first? Have you soaked it regularly since?
  • AcermaniaAcermania Posts: 19
    Oh no I didn’t! Oh dear, what have I done!! Is there anything I can do now to save it @fidgetbones? 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I would be inclined to dig the whole thing up and dunk it in a bucket of water overnight. Then replant and give it a bucket of water on alternate days in this  hot weather, then once a week from September until  the ground all round it is permanently damp.  Good luck, I expect it was quite expensive.
  • AcermaniaAcermania Posts: 19
    Ok thanks very much for the advice @fidgetbones I will try that, fingers crossed! 
  • AcermaniaAcermania Posts: 19
    I still don’t understand how not soaking the rootball before planting the ilex would cause all the leaves to turn brown and drop off so suddenly though. I have been watering it every other day since I bought it, and then thoroughly right after planting it. All the other plants in the same border are thriving except for this one. Perhaps it’s a lot more fussy and doesn’t like to be grounded at this time? 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    If the rootball was dryish when it went into the ground, water then just does not penetrate enough. I soak a rootball first, dig a hole, backfill with soil, and then add more water so that the soil is in good contact with the rootball. Then the roots should come out of the rootball to search for water. However a rootbound plant just plonked in the soil, will dry out, and not properly settle in, just sitting there as if it was still in a pot.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Even in an average summer, that would take a while to establish, and would need copious watering - in addition to what @fidgetbones has said re soaking first.

    In the kind of conditions many areas have had, and are still having, it makes it even harder. All hollies prefer some respite from sun, especially the excessive temps that have been seen recently. Established ones can manage. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • SuffolkspurSuffolkspur Posts: 3
    I have an ilex cloud tree also. The top ball has completely shed its leaves, is there anything I can do to save it?
    Suffolk novice

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Hi @jonmumby10yrWMYV4

    Can you show us some photos of your ilex please, and tell us more about it ... where it's planted, what sort of soil, how long you've had it etc.

     :) 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited January 2022
    If it's similar to the original poster's photo, the advice would be the same as above @jonmumby10yrWMYV4.
    Otherwise, as @Dovefromabove says - some photos and more info would be helpful. Your location and the surroundings are factors too   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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