What’s wrong with this photonia frasier (Red Robin)

IronSquirrel

Customers trees went in about 5 or 6 weeks ago, and they’re concerned in case they’re not taking well. This is how the leaves have turned over the last few weeks

i initially thought it’s autumn / why do you think they’re called ‘red robin’?

But there’s a definite sadness to the leaves curl and additionally one of the trees is more down the line than the two next to it and is showing a rusty discolouration.Enclosed : two pics

note: the rusty coloured bit is NOT powdery, and doesn’t come off with running 

IronSquirrel

Fairygirl

It's the new growth that really gives them their name. 
I take it those are pleached specimens? Do the owners know enough to maintain them and get them established?
I wouldn't be too worried about a few browning leaves at this stage though, if they've only been in a few weeks. 

IronSquirrel

I'm awaiting a description of their soil too.
I'm putting it down to planting shock, with possible underlying soil issues, but they've spent thousands on this and don't want to have it totally Eff'ed over autumn by something obvious.

Is early autumn the time for them to be changing colour, or does that normally come later?

Fairygirl

It's the new growth which has the colour. The red colour, that is. They need warmth and moisture - cold wet leaves them open to all sorts of problems. Black spot etc. They tend to look pretty dreadful up here for example, but if it's London, they should be ok in that respect.  

Are the customers aware that this sort of 'instant effect' comes with a bit of responsibility though?