Too dry? All I know is that it is not an "easy" plant. Mine looked somewhat tired all the time for several years, although just down the road in another garden, there is a wonderful planting.

Armitage says, "Native to cool woodland areas... Great care must be taken in choosing a site. One in semi-shade, sheltered from strong winds, in a constantly moist but not boggy area, with an abundant source of organic matter and an absence of lime, should be chosen... This is a plant for those interested in experimentation, and with a willingness to fail several times before being successful."

It is a cool plant however. Good luck.

So glad I didn't know they were not "easy" 'cause I planted some in my mostly shaded garden about 10 years ago and they are doing super and spreading. Truly ignorance is bliss.

I don't think this is a difficult plant to grow. Mine is in fairly sunny location for 1/3 of the day. It does stay moist.

My friend has no trouble growing either.

The blackened leaves, especially since they are the new center leaves, make me think it could be cold damage. I have several plants of K. palmatum and koreana and they are the first perennials lost to even slightly cold weather in the fall.