First, you must understand my perspective. I am a shade-dwelling woodlander at heart. If I am struggling, the most likely issue is my location. Am I baking in the hot, afternoon sun? This scorches my leaves and stresses me deeply. Please move me to a spot with dappled shade or morning sun only. Next, investigate my feet. I despise sitting in waterlogged, heavy clay soil. Soggy roots lead to root rot, a silent killer. Conversely, bone-dry soil is equally unforgiving. My ideal home is moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter, much like the forest floor I naturally thrive in.
If my leaves are yellowing or my growth is stunted, I might be starving. A generous helping of well-rotted compost or leaf mould around my base (but not touching my crown) provides gentle, long-lasting nutrients. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can also help, but be cautious—too much can burn my roots. My moisture levels are a constant balancing act. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge: consistently moist but never sopping wet. A layer of mulch is my best friend; it keeps my roots cool, conserves water, and slowly enriches the soil as it breaks down.
Do not be afraid to give me a hard haircut. If my foliage is tattered, spotted with black blotches (a common fungal issue called Leaf Spot), or simply old and unattractive, cut it all back to the base. Use clean, sharp shears to prevent disease transmission. This might seem drastic, but it removes sources of infection and allows for a flush of beautiful, new, healthy growth to emerge. This is best done in late winter or early spring before I flower, or immediately after flowering if I look unsightly. Cleaning up fallen debris around me is also crucial to prevent fungal spores from splashing back onto my new leaves.
Gently excavate the soil around my crown. Is it planted too deeply? This is a common mistake. My crown (the point where the roots meet the stems) must be at the soil surface, not buried. Planting too deep encourages rot and suffocates me. If I am too deep, carefully lift and replant me at the proper height. If you discover mushy, black roots, root rot has set in. You may need to lift me entirely, wash my roots, and trim away all the rotten parts with a sterilized knife before replanting me in fresh, amended soil that drains exceptionally well.
Understand that I am a perennial with a natural cycle. I may die back and look dead in the peak of summer heat or deepest winter, but I am often just dormant. Please be patient. Continue to provide adequate moisture, especially during dry spells, and protect my crown with mulch. Avoid disturbing my roots once I am established. With the correct conditions—cool shade, good soil, and consistent moisture—I will often reward your patience and care by vigorously returning to health when the cooler temperatures of autumn or the following spring arrive.
