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Very Frustrating
Gardening Addict
Posts: 3
I have been growing Skimmias for years both in pots & the ground. Since early Summer of last year the leaves have begun to look chlorotic. These by the way are in pots. I have tried the usual ferreous treatment, also fresh ericaceous compost. Also have moved them away from the shade where they were situated incase they need higher light levels.
CAN ANYONE HELP! 
0
Posts
That's why I don't grow skimmias.
They may do better in acid soil but I've never been in a position to try that.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I don't grow skimmias - wrong sort of soil, but my parents had some in their garden. The ones in semi-shade always seemed to do better - the one by their door in a sunny spot always seemed pale and sickly.
I've had a look online and various sites suggest that as woodland plants they are happier in semi-shade. Last summer we had some very high light levels for a long while - perhaps they'd be happier in the shade? I'd give them a tonic - Sequestrene? - and try to keep them out of bright sunshine - when we get some.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks everyone, it seems i shall just have to be patient and see what this Spring brings to my beloved skimmias.
Epsom salts help with this. I tbs/15ml dissoved in a gallon/5 litres of water ten used as a foliar spray in spring and summer. Chlorosis isn't just about iron deficiency. Epsom salts correct magnesium deficiency and are good for all ericaceous plants as well as ones that aren't to bothered about acidity but are showing yellowing leaves.
One of the few plants I can't seem to grow even though I planted in ideal conditions and never watered with tap water. I was lucky to inherit really good soil that is fractionally on the acid side of neutral. Everything seems to thrive but not skimmias, I have now given up.