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Wilting acer

r.a.crainr.a.crain Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi folks, I have an acer shindeshojo, now in its second spring. Both this year and last it initially produced beautiful, vibrant pink foliage, that soon blackened and wilted. I’m wondering if this is due to pests - the foliage does attract a lot of blackfly that regular removal by hand just can’t keep at bay - or perhaps a fungal infection? It’s in a position to get good light without suffering the heat of the mid-afternoon, and the soil is usually moist but well drained. Any advice gratefully received, as it’s a beautiful tree that is being denied the opportunity to really shine at this time of year.

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    They don't like early morning sun, especially after a frosty night, so could it be that?  A windy spot will also kill young leaves, if that's a possibility?  They do best in a west-facing spot which is sheltered from wind by other shrubs or trees planted nearby.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The soil level is also very low. Have you considered repotting it? There won't be much soil in there for the size of the plant and it's rootball. The level should be about an inch from the top of the pot.
    It needs to be a soil based medium - not just compost, as that won't sustain it for any length of time. 
    As well as @BobTheGardener's advice, sun and wind are very drying, and many areas have had a very dry spring which isn't good for them as they're trying to produce their young foliage. It's easy to underestimate how much watering they need in those circumstances.
    It would be better to move it somewhere more shaded [ especially through the middle of the day ] refresh all the soil, and keep it watered well. That should at least help it recover a bit  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    We have quite a few mostly n pots,lost one a couple of years ago to wind burn,they are Japanese woodland plants like semi shade,mine are in Ericacious compost, at least s whole watering can full of water in dry spells. The  pots are moved around the garden depending on the time of the year and sun levels.i have just weeded and top dressed the pots. Have you tried scraping the bottom bark see if it's green underneath
  • r.a.crainr.a.crain Posts: 3
    Hi folks, many thanks for your advice, much appreciated. It is closer to a west facing wall, so it does get early sun - I will shift it eastwards and top the soil up! Wind isn’t too much of a problem as we’re in a well sheltered position. For reference, there’s an acer bloodgood right next door that seems happy enough, but it’s probably more hardy? That was why I was suspicious about pests and diseases - the blackfly seem to ignore the bloodgood. 
    @Nanny Beach - forgive my ignorance, is bark scraping a standard test? Would green be good or bad!? Happy to give this a go.

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Green is good means the plant is still Live brown means dead
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Pests and diseases tend to affect things already weakened in some way.  If you can give it shade and shelter, with afternoon rather than morning sun, it should be a lot happier and grow stronger.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • r.a.crainr.a.crain Posts: 3
    Thanks @Nanny Beach and @BobTheGardener for following up. A quick scratch of the branches shows a lovely lime green so I think it's still healthy. I'll get it moved this weekend and keep my fingers crossed for a recovery. 
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    crumbs I cropped and got it up the correct way
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