Viburnum plicatum Mariesii struggling

Wondering if anyone else has one of these? We have had one for a few years now and it seems to be struggling. Having said that it has put on growth but little flower and doesn’t seem to cope with any period of dry weather, looking droopy quite quickly.

Today I noticed that some of the leaves on some of its lower branches are completely dry and shrivelled, the rest are drooping. It’s in full sun for a few hours part of the day but dappled shade the rest of the time. Our soil is a heavy loam and I have given it a good mulch of compost the last few Autumns.

I don’t really want to have to water it, I don’t water anything in the garden unless it’s newly planted (and then only once or twice early on unless it’s struggling). It’s been in probably 3 years now so should be well established. I dont do bare soil so its base is surrounded with hardy geraniums, various wildflowers etc.

Are they just really thirsty plants and maybe also a bit of a diva who likes her own space?

 

Any thoughts/advice please?

 

I have one that my daughter gave me in autumn 2022. It does go a bit droopy when it's hot so I water it. I can't keep it watered all the time as it's in my garden in SW France and I'm often at my partner's cottage in the UK. It has very low branches so there is nothing planted at its base.

Mine is in clay soil in dappled shade, so is the one my daughter has. She had a hosepipe ban last year and hers has suffered. I think they are thirsty plants but mine recovers very quickly when I tip a can of water around its base.

 

I suppose I’m reassured that it’s not just mine then. I guess I just need to decide whether I want to have to water it or not mmm…

 

It's a lovely shrub, especially when in flower. I would water it.