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What is wrong with my pittosporum variegatum?

sharanshrubssharanshrubs Posts: 74
in Problem solving
Hi its not doing well but was thriving about 6 weeks ago..any ideas? Soil is moist but I wouldnt say too wet
Irrigation is not working...

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Weather probably. They aren't always reliably hardy everywhere, depending on variety, especially until well established. I'd keep the area around it clear of weeds, and a little mulch of compost around the base will also help after you do that, but it's best to do it when the soil is moist to preserve that moisture if you're in a drier area. If the soil's reasonably damp at the moment, you can do it now, and regular applications are useful for soil structure and general health anyway. 
    Then just wait. It will hopefully pick up when the weather warms up, and produce new growth. You can then tidy up the damaged foliage.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    I’ve noticed a bit of leaf browning on new growth of my huge, established variegated pitto too. I agree with Fairy, weather, deep overnight freezes in my case. It will grow through it.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I was also assuming that the ground was often dry there @sharanshrubs - because there's an irrigation hose.  :)
    It's pretty common on lost of shrubs over winter too. 
    Yes- we get plenty of brown leaves over/after winter @Nollie, but it's been more noticeable here this year, and I've put that down to the very warm autumn we had, which meant lots of soft, often new, growth, rather than plants being gradually accustomed to colder conditions from around September. Swings between wet and freeze too. 
    Double whammy  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Yes exactly that Fairy, but warm early spring followed by late frost is equally a nightmare for plants, poor buggers don’t know whether they are coming or going!
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Nollie said:
    but warm early spring followed by late frost is equally a nightmare for plants, poor buggers don’t know whether they are coming or going!
    Aye - neither do I @Nollie!   ;)

    We never had to worry in the past about stuff getting frost damage in late spring, because it didn't get into proper growth early. That's definitely changing, if the last two winters are anything to go by. This winter has been mild for us again, despite the two cold spells. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • sharanshrubssharanshrubs Posts: 74
    Hi thank you! youve given me hope it will be ok!

    @fairygirl Our landscaper put in irrigation pipes in the border but we havent got it fully set up and running - a job for this year ;). yes it gets dry there. will get onto that weeding and mulching :)
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