Don’s Expert Answers: very slow and sick

Question From: 
judy in  henley beach,  adelaide SA

 

Nature of problem: 
very slow and sick

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
mexican orange blossom

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
weak looking and not thriving

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
loam

 

How often do you water the plant:
every day

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
8

 

What type of plant is it:
mexican orange blossom

 

How long since you planted it:
18 months

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
seasol and manure

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
outdoors

 

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground: 
ground

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
none

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 
please help ,I have so many of them in a hot west facing courtyard garden I have also replaced at least 6 due to grubs eating the roots

 

Answer: Hi Judy,  These plants are not happy with their growing conditions. The grubs probably wouldn’t worry them if the plants’ immune systems were strong. You need to walk around your area to see what plants do well there. Check out the murrayas in other peoples’ gardens too. You might be too close to the beach for instance. Your local garden club members may know, or the local nursery people might be able to help. Good luck,  Don.