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Berberis Julianae dying?

UrbanNoviceUrbanNovice Posts: 29
in Problem solving
Hello - advice needed:

We planted a Berberis Julianae (Wintergreen Barberry) in early March 2021. It was in a 12 litre pot, green leaved and around 1.25 - 1.5 metres in height. Since planting it has been looking progressively unwell over time. It was quite green leaved when planted but now has many red/brown leaves (see photo):



It also looses leaves when the branches are knocked or shaken.

Is this normal and if not, how can we help it?

Many thanks

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    edited April 2021
    You have bought quite a large size shrub and they are more difficult to get settled in.
    I am sure you have been watering it well so just give it time, the changeable weather wont have helped.
    If it gets progressively worse I would get in touch with the supplier and hope it came with a guarantee.
  • UrbanNoviceUrbanNovice Posts: 29
    Thanks for replying K67. Yes - we watered it every day for the first week, every other day for the second week, every third day for the third week etc. Now, once a week or so depending on if it has rained or not.

    We did wonder about the effect of the odd weather patterns - some big daily changes in temperature. Hopefully it's just a bit confused and will settle in eventually. Fingers crossed!


  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    It sounds as though you may have over-watered it in the very early weeks. Water if it's dry but don't if the rootball and the soil immediately around it is moist below the surface. I would expect new leaves to start forming in the next few weeks.
  • UrbanNoviceUrbanNovice Posts: 29
    rachelQrtJHBjb said:
    It sounds as though you may have over-watered it in the very early weeks. Water if it's dry but don't if the rootball and the soil immediately around it is moist below the surface. I would expect new leaves to start forming in the next few weeks.
    Oh dear - it hadn't rained for weeks so I was really worried about it having enough to drink after planting -  but sounds like it might have done more harm than good. Thanks for the advice Rachel, I will do as you suggest from now on.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    We had a pretty cold March. Was it under cover or at least very sheltered at the GC? Suddenly being out in the open and exposed to bitterly cold and windy weather may have burned more tender leaves. 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • UrbanNoviceUrbanNovice Posts: 29
    Not sure Loxley as it was an online supplier so we didn't actually see it until it arrived. Not ideal, I know, but it was a large and heavy plant and we don't have a car so buying online is the easiest option for us.

    We also ordered a Euonymus europaeus (Red Cascade) and a Viburnum tinus (Eve Price) from this supplier at the same time. These were of a similar size to the Berberis and planted in similar areas in the garden. All three were put in a new top soil/peat-free compost mix along with with a sprinkling of fish blood and bone. They were (perhaps over!) watered in the same way but only the Berberis looks unwell.

    I think it's just going to have to be a case of watering in moderation and only when needed, waiting for the weather to improve and become less erratic and hoping for the best. Berberis seem to be a fairly robust genus so hopefully it will perk up once acclimatized. 🤞
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