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Moving Skimmia Japonica

PassTheFoxPassTheFox Posts: 38
in Plants
We have a skimmia that doesn't seem to be thriving where it is. I think it could be a bit dry (against a wall and in a raised bed) and possibly getting too much direct sun. I'll attach a photo in case anyone is able to offer a more expert diagnosis! 🙌🏻

I'd like to move it to another part of the garden - is it sensible to do it at this time of year or should I wait until autumn?

Thank you!

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If you have a better space for it, I'd move it now rather than letting it struggle over summer.  It's a small plant and not in flower so should survive the shock of being transplanted if you get as much of the root ball and surrounding soil as you can when lifting it. 

    It's best to move the plant when the soil is damp, towards the end of the day when it's cooler, and to prepare the new planting hole in advance of digging your plant up.  Keep it well watered and top the soil around it with a mulch of organic material such as garden compost to retain moisture.  It should be happier then!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd do it now as well. Nothing to lose. All the wrong things for it to do well in the site you have it in   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Skimmias with yellow leaves can be bleached by the sun. They also prefer a soil that is at least slightly acidic. Your shrub does look healthy but if yellowing of leaves continue it could benefit from a feed of sequestered iron
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PassTheFoxPassTheFox Posts: 38
    Fantastic! Really appreciate all the guidance :)

    Our soil is verging on acidic so that should help it along in the border. Looking forward to seeing how it gets on
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