Why is mountain laurel turning yellow? - Ask Extension
I purchased a. 4 ft mountain laurel at Lowe's and we watered it and took care of it following instructions. It is in an area with good drainage.
It h...
Knowledgebase
Why is mountain laurel turning yellow? #168049
Asked February 25, 2014, 9:07 AM EST
I purchased a. 4 ft mountain laurel at Lowe's and we watered it and took care of it following instructions. It is in an area with good drainage.
It has never looked particularly healthy. Leaves are yellow and some leaves have fallen off.
Is there some recommendation for fertilizer or big killer in case it has root rot or bugs in the roots?
I will be happy to send a photo
Thanks!
Llano County Texas
Expert Response
If the plant has never looked good it might be best to exchange it, if possible. If you want to work with it, I'll be glad to try to help you.
First, can you verify it is a mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), or a bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)? They look similar, and the common names are sometimes used interchangeably; however, they differ in their cultivation requirements.
A photo would also be helpful. Is the yellowing occuring from the top down, or from the bottom up? Which leaves seem to be affected most: the new leaves, the older leaves, or the entire plant?
I'll look forward to hearing back from you.
First, can you verify it is a mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), or a bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)? They look similar, and the common names are sometimes used interchangeably; however, they differ in their cultivation requirements.
A photo would also be helpful. Is the yellowing occuring from the top down, or from the bottom up? Which leaves seem to be affected most: the new leaves, the older leaves, or the entire plant?
I'll look forward to hearing back from you.
Sorry I took a while to get back to you.
The leaves are uniformly discolored. I do not see any new growth.
Someone suggested adding iron to the soil.
The plant isn't dead - just not healthy.
Thanks!
The leaves are uniformly discolored. I do not see any new growth.
Someone suggested adding iron to the soil.
The plant isn't dead - just not healthy.
Thanks!
Soil amendments, such as iron, should never be added without a soil test. This can be done at nominal cost through your local extension office: http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/. Do not treat symptoms; determine the cause to find an appropriate treatment.
Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora), see http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SOSE3,
is native to alkaline and limestone soils. It is unlikely that it would become iron-deficient (chlorotic) unless the potting hole is poorly drained so water does not drain.
If you added a large amount of organic matter to the potting hole, it is possible this is causing a nitrogen deficiency. Depending on when it was planted, it is also possible the plant is suffering from transplant shock. This sometimes happens with nursery plants that are heavily fertilized and forced to bloom for marketing.
If this is the only plant that is suffering, I suggest you replace it. If other plants in your landscape have problems, you should have your soil tested.
I hope this helps. Happy gardening,
Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora), see http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SOSE3,
is native to alkaline and limestone soils. It is unlikely that it would become iron-deficient (chlorotic) unless the potting hole is poorly drained so water does not drain.
If you added a large amount of organic matter to the potting hole, it is possible this is causing a nitrogen deficiency. Depending on when it was planted, it is also possible the plant is suffering from transplant shock. This sometimes happens with nursery plants that are heavily fertilized and forced to bloom for marketing.
If this is the only plant that is suffering, I suggest you replace it. If other plants in your landscape have problems, you should have your soil tested.
I hope this helps. Happy gardening,
I used Bayer advanced rose and flower fertilizer per the recommendation of the garden sales person at home Depot and the leaves are looking better and the tree actually had a bloom! Lots of new growth visible now. Thank you!
Go easy on the fertilizer and your plant may just decide it likes its' new home!
Happy gardening!
Happy gardening!
Now I have another question. What can I do to prevent the worms that usually attack mountain laurels at this time of year?
Hi there. Can you resend this as a new question and include some photos? A close-up of the worm and the nest, if any, will help with identification. Also what damage do you see on the plant?
Thanks,
Thanks,
