About a week ago we planted two Chinese Fringe Flowers ("Plum Delight"). Within two days the leaves began to darken and are now dropping off. The blooms all shriveled within the first several days.

These were planted in a clay-ish soil but were fortified with some Gardenville potting soil placed in the hole. The hole and root ball were spritzed with Garrett Juice at the time of planting.

They are in an area which only receives afternoon sun. They have been kept moist but not overly wet. The only issue I can see is that there may not be enough drainage (due to the clay-ish soil).

How can we save them? I'd hate to move or replace them since they would look very well where they are placed.

Addylo, I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

I think if the leaves started dropping off two days after you got the plant, it was not anything you did. Possibly they got too dry at the nursery, but still looked alright. But the damage is done.

Scratch the bark, see if a bit of green shows up. If so, they're not dead yet. Just having a hard time. I have a Chinese fringe flower, but I don't know much about 'em. I'm not sure what their soil preference is...

Maybe someone will write in, who does know.

Good luck!