on memorial day we planted 7 carolina jasmines. here is how we did it: we dug 2 foot by 2 foot holes for each. we mixed: humus, cow manure, and top soil. we placed the schub in the hole. the ground in the backyard is mostly clay. when we placed the schrub in the hole, put the clay in the hole around it and then placed the soil mixture in with it. we watered it. that month of june we had an emorous about of rain. the schrubs died. when we just pulled them out of the ground. there was no roots and they were soaking wet. now we only watered them once during june. mother nature took care of the rest.

the nursery was kind enough to replace them on the forth of july. so we did and this time we used root stimular as direct. and we mixed the clay soil with the soil mixture and put them back in the ground. we were careful about watering. and for the next month they seemed to be doing great and now they are dying.

we don't know what to do. can any one offer me some advice ?

thank you

Sounds like a drainage problem. Is there any way you can make a raised bed of at least 18" high?

Newt

When you dig a hole, you should back-fill it in with only the soil (or clay) you dug out. Yes, it is a drainage problem. You have a clay cup with some good bed prep materials and plants in it.
Click on the link below and look under "Bed Preparation" for help on this.

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=94