Skimmia Problems!

helenhughjones

Hello! I have two Skimmias in pots by a north facing wall. They were bought about a year ago and have been growing nicely.

However, in the last few weeks, they have each been affected by two different problems: one has a few leaves that are turning translucent in patches (some kind of mite?) and the other has many crinkly new leaves that are small and stunted.

What do you think is causing the problems, and what can I do about it? 
Any help much appreciated!

Fran IOM

Welcome to the forum @helenhughjones. Your thread seems to have slipped through with no response so hopefully this time someone will pick up on it and have an answer for you 

RubyRoss

I had the same problems a few months ago; the plant looked bad. I had greenfly on all the nearby plants and once they subsided, the skimma is looking healthy again with no translucent patches or curls. (I snipped off a few leaves that looked particularly bad)

Borderline

Have you checked the back of leaves and stems to see if you see any small insects? The second photo looks like aphid damage to me. Using clean knife or secateurs, remove the damaged new leaves.

Generally these shrubs can shrug off many pests and diseases if they are kept in optimum growing conditions. The most obvious one is shade and watering. If possible keep pot away from over hanging trees or tall shrubs.

helenhughjones

@RubyRoss and @Borderline and @Fran IOM thank you so much for your help. Fingers crossed I can get them happy again! Hopefully the slightly cooler damperweather will help too... Thanks.