Winter jasmin

dennisc505

I'm trying to establish a winter jasmin to grow up an arch. I purchased a plant in a pot from an quality supplier but after 6 months the leaves and stems had all turned black. I replaced it with a new one from another supplier ( in an 8" pot so well established) 3 weeks ago and it's just started to show the same problem. All other plants in the vicinity are fine. Does anyone know the likely problem?

Ceres

Any chance of a photo? It might help to identify the problem.

Borderline

I agree it’s best you post a photo. Are you planting them into the ground or growing in a container?

dennisc505

Photos attached. I've asked several gardening friends but no one has a suggestion.

Borderline

Thanks for posting a photo. Even though the leaves are turning that colour, the plant looks fine to me. Sometimes, leaves can turn that colour in cold windy weather, and it is growing in an open area with no back protection.

The soil looks quite dry and may be clay base, so it's important to try and lay a thick layer of bark chip mulch or something similar to seal in moisture. Water generously around the root area once every 4 days in summer. Water in the evenings or early mornings to conserve water.

I would prune back a lot of the stray whippy branches. This plant has the ability to grow vigorously once established, so plenty of time to train some thicker stems upwards, but definitely not a priority yet. Even at that height, it is still a young shrub that needs the roots for form and settle down.

There are some nibbles on the leaves, so not sure whether you have similar issues with other surrounding plants, if so, you may have Vine Weevil in the soil.

dennisc505

Many thanks for the comments. There is a layer of mini bark chippings which may give the impression of dry soil but it quite moist. The soil is free draining down to 1.5 spade depth. I will study again closely for your suggested vine weevil infestation. 

Fairygirl

Looking at your initial post, you say you planted the first one around 6 or 7 months ago.
Is it possible you therefore planted it in unsuitable conditions? By that, I mean the ground wet/waterlogged/frozen etc., or when freezing conditions were forecast.
Any of those things are bad news for even the toughest of plants, which winter jasmine is. 
While agreeing with @Borderline's assessment and comments above, another possibility for any issues with the new one is that you've planted a bit too deep. Could that be a possibilty? It should be planted at the same level as the pot it was in, and even if you did that, adding mulch can then make it too deep.