Solved What is wrong with this Skimmia Japonica?

I bought this Skimmia from an online shop and it arrived with yellow and damaged leaves. I have no idea what's wrong with the plant. Any help appreciated!

 

Hmm. It looks like it has been chomped. Could be caterpillar or vine weevil. Vine weevils take nibbles out the edges. When did you notice it had happened? Before winter?

 

The yellow leave suggests to me its been in the pot a long time.

If you have only just bought it, its not in very good condition.

 

I’m not sure, but I think Skimmia’s like an acid soil (ericaceous compost). Looks to me like the vine weevils are having a munch too.

 

Hello Tetti and a warm welcome to the forum.

Oh' dear. It has been through the wars. Looking closely. There doesn't appear to be any leafe markings to suggest insect damage, and at this time of year, are catapillar crunchers and munchers out and about. The oddity about foliage damage on evergreens is that it can take time before the plant shows signs of problems. I would say. This plant has been neglected and suddenly you came along and spent your money. IMO this has mase the plant look tatty. However, selected pruning can overcome this. Carefully trace the stem and damged leaves back down to the joint where it has branched out of the main stem. Snip and that's that. On the other hand contact the seller say you are not happy and you want your money back.

 

I'm going to say adult vine weevil damage as well. I'd be inclined to remove all the soil from the roots and repot in fresh stuff. I tend to do this anyway, as I prefer to know what is going on near the roots. Not with plant that dislike root disturbance of course

 

Thank you! I don't really know when this happened as I received the plant around a week ago and it was already damaged

 

Thank you for warm welcome, Mike! This was really disappointing experience with the seller, indeed. And this is the first outdoor plan I ever bought. Let's see if I manage to save it. Thanks for the advice!

 

thank you! Do you think it's safe to plant it in the garden or better keeping in the pot till spring?

 

Oh that's not on. I'd contact them and say its clearly got vine weevil damage, can they send a replacement. What website did u get it off?

If I was keeping it I would get the bug clear vine weevil killer and give is a dose of that to stop any vine weevil grubs destroying the roots. Then think about planting it after a couple of weeks or so. You could use nematodes but they dont work in cold weather.

The vine weevil grubs are little blighters. They will totally destroy a plant! I've grown heucheras that are fine one minute and then all of a sudden they are loose and lift really easily out the pot-because the grubs have demolished the roots. I HATE vine weevils.

 

I like them. If you have a good infestation, it's more relaxing popping them than bubble wrap

 

Got it from GardeningExpress. I wish I read the reviews first - they like to supply people with damaged plants, apparently. and it was delivered 1 month after purchase date.

oh, that doesn't sound good, I'm starting to hate vine weevils too

 

I've never found vine weevil to be a problem with plants growing in the ground.
So my thinking is that problem may disappear once planted out.
But the plant is generally not up to a good enough standard to be sold IMO.
And I think you need to ask for a refund.
I don't think I would want a replacement from the same company.
You will probably find a much better plant at your local garden centre or nursery.

 

I had a feeling it was that awful nursery none of us buy from them anymore ... how they are still in business is beyond me