Hampshire, United Kingdom

I have tried this Clianthus in 3 places, outdoors, but each early summer the stems go bare. I thought slugs/ snails but have never seen any trails. I have wrapped it in foil and stood it in the middle of the lawn to prevent molluscs.
Now I am thinking, as it is evergreen, maybe the loss of the leaves on the middle stems is a natural loss as that part of the stem matures and goes woody.
Your thought would be appreciated.

On plant Clianthus puniceus

• 21 Apr, 2018