About 3 years ago, I planted several clumps of Vancouveria planipetala (native to redwood forests in NW California and SW Oregon), fully realizing that it spreads widely. Almost from the start, I noticed that it failed to grow in the vicinity of where I first planted it - I didn't worry at first, thinking it would only be a matter of time until it filled in. (Those first plants were moved from other areas of my garden where they didn't show any problems.) Now, it's becoming obvious that there is a something bad going on and the area where it is not growing is getting larger. I'm totally mystified what the problem can be. That little bed where it's growing had been thoroughly dug over (mainly to remove the countless rocks) and purchased good-quality soil brought in to raise the soil level (also well incorporated). It is very well drained. My worry now is that this may be some kind of a soil fungus - I've never seen any mushrooms however. I'd really appreciate any thoughts you may have to identify the problem and help me figure out what to do about it. #1 The area in the centre is what I am concerned about. #2 Closer view. #3 Remnants of the original plant are still visible . . . lots of browning leaves all around. #4 Typical browning of leaves, some showing a white crusts around the edges.
Indeed, that is curious Does it happen elsewhere on your property? What was growing there previously ? I wonder if the solid rock is very close To surface in these bare patches — I think in other pix of your garden, you have beautiful solid rock outcrops —- a scrap of skinny rebar could be your depth testing rod Really the only other variable is your new soil, correct? I suppose you could test with some bulbs you put in to the bare patches this autumn (to bloom next spring) —- or seed something that’s easy to weed out later
Thanks for your thoughts @Georgia Strait. Here are answers to your questions - Does it happen elsewhere on your property? No. What was growing there previously ? Just weeds. I wonder if the solid rock is very close To surface in these bare patches — I think in other pix of your garden, you have beautiful solid rock outcrops —- a scrap of skinny rebar could be your depth testing rod. There are several inches of good soil and rocky soil beneath that. The whole area is the same depth. Really the only other variable is your new soil, correct? I also have wondered if an animal could have peed on it but we are fenced so dogs never get in and I never see cats. The thing is, even if it were animal urine, you'd think it would have washed out after 2 years wouldn't you? I suppose you could test with some bulbs you put in to the bare patches this autumn (to bloom next spring) —- or seed something that’s easy to weed out later. This is a great idea - I'll plant something that usually grows well in my garden and is expendable - should be very interesting.
I thought of crocosmia (the tomato soup color flower) of which I have an over abundance — but i found a way to make it look quite nice w yellow- green hostas I think a simple solution might be make this odd patch look intentional with some artistic found driftwood - or cut piece of log with a bird bath etc Oh wait - I know - alstroemeria ;)
Right! If alstroemeria didn't grow, I'd know I had serious problems! I realize I have a big soft spot for enthusiastic groundcovers. Still on my list to dig way back this year are huge patches of winter-flowering jasmine, Salix 'Yezoalpina', Maianthemum dilatatum as well as ivy which was growing here before we moved in and is now holding up a rock wall.
