Laidbackdude (love that name): i have several Okitstus in the ground and learned over the years that they do not like hot late afternoon sun, can tolerate more than a 1/2 day of shade, and like plenty of water and food (they like to stay moist). [of course, a well draining potting soil is a must!]

Please check your soil moisture with a wooden dowel/spike ( i use a skewer ). I think you may have let it dry out excessively.

I found mine looking much like your pic. My issue turned out to be too little water for the amount of fertilizer given (I burned the roots), as well as pH imbalance and N pull from fresh compost. I gave it more water, switched to water based fertilizer application (Foliage Pro) once a week with vinegar (check your irrigation water pH - mine was over 9). They took a bit less than a year to come back and have loads of fruit on them now.

Good luck, George -- - -

Right George .

I was going to say too much very hot sun. It prevents nutrient uptake, over heats roots, and causes leaves to be anything but nice and green on my plants. The roots have always been a concern fir me too keep them nice and cool and moist during the hottest time of summer.

Mike

This post was edited by meyermike_1micha on Thu, Jul 17, 14 at 12:51

Thanks Guys...i will give it a good flush and have moved it to where it can have moderate sun....cheers LBD.