Virburnum x Bodnantense 'Dawn'

gavpre

I purchased this shrub 3/4 months ago from Wyevale. It started to grow really well until a week or so ago and now looks like this. It's had plenty of water and a good mulch since planting and the other 4 shrubs I planted at the same time all look great and growing well. I've dug a little around the shrub and the soil is still moist.

I had a close look today and it seems most stems has this splitting on them. Never seen this before and not sure what has happened.

K67

Can't help with the plant problem but Wyvale guarantee their plants so get in touch with them with this information 

K67

Just another thought what do you mulch with? If too close to the stems can affect a plant. I killed off a spindle tree with not very well rotted compost I assume it just burnt the roots.

Dovefromabove

I agree, that doesn't look good.  Contact Wyevale's Customer Service with the photos.  

gavpre

I used multi purpose compost. I mulched around the planting hole so no compost is near the shrub stem. Whatever is happening it definitely looks like it's dying a slow death.

BobTheGardener

The stems look cankered so it might be Botryosphaeria canker.  As above, contact supplier for a replacement/refund.

fidgetbones

My first thought was that it is desperate for water. Newly planted shrubs need at least a bucket a week, and more often in this heatwave.

gavpre

That was my first thought when I noticed this a couple weeks ago. I don't think it is drought though because I've given it lots of water and it hasn't responded at all, just got worse.
The splits in the stems is what I think is causing the wilted appearance. Just not sure what it is.