United States

we purchased this shrub <2years ago, 1st year had luscious green leaves but over the last two winter-spring seasons the leaves which we have are red and very few, at the moment there is no evidence of buds. It is climbing an arch on a south westerly position which never dries out, clay soil around but when we planted we made sure that there was pea gravel to prevent it from becoming waterlogged. it is now may and we wonder if the plant is on its way out. any advice would be gratefully recieved.

• 4 May, 2008