I am perplexed. After planting 3 rows of pomegranates . . . there seems to be a pattern of ‘thriving’ and ‘not thriving’. I noticed that the most ‘southern’ row of shrubs are struggling. The other 2 rows are not. It is quite apparent. Full green shrubs in the ‘back’ 2 rows . . . rather spindly, sparsely leaved ones in the ‘front’ row.
I need to mention that I positioned the less cold-hardy varieties in this ‘southern’ row - thinking that they would avoid most of the northern wind. Maybe futile . . . but I didn’t think it would hurt. ? Maybe I was wrong! Or maybe these varieties just are not liking the Virginia winters. Although this past one was mild.
The only difference that I am aware of - between the actual ‘dirt’ - is that the struggling row’s ‘topography’ is a little different. It has low spots. I tried to build up those areas . . . but perhaps it has affected the drainage. ? And I planted ‘high’, aware of the water table. Also - A barn used to be on this site. With lots of nitrogen, I expect - deposited over the years, in the soil. Maybe that is what is hurting that row, more than others. (it’s closer to the barn’s footprint).
I just received 6 new poms and planted 2 of them on this front row this past weekend.
Now . . . I intend to move them, quickly - to another spot. I don’t want to risk losing them! They were cold-hardy varieties that I was looking forward to having. Kazake among them. Also Suhr-Anor.
Has anyone had this problem - One area seems to be ‘cursed’ . . . while another, just feet away, is ‘blessed’?