| I purchased a LAVENDER CHIFFON? ROSE OF SHARON. Since I transplanted it, the bottom leaves have started to turn yellow, but it is growing and almost ready to bloom. Why are the leaves turning yellow? Thank you. |
| Severe yellowing at the base can be a sign of having planted it too deeply or overwatering it or planting it in a poorly drained location. It should have been planted at the same depth as it grew in the container, no deeper. It should be planted in a well drained location, meaning not a low spot or a place where water collects after a rain. Although new plants may need watering to supplement rain, use your finger to dig into the soil and check if you need to water or not. If it is still damp, do not water yet. When you do water, water slowly and thoroughly so it soaks down to the deepest roots. It is better to water deeply and less often than to water lightly every day. After watering, wait a few hours and then dig down to see how far the water soaked in; sometimes it can be surprising. Using an organic mulch in a flat layer two to three inches deep over the root zone will help keep the soil evenly moist. Finally, this shrub does best in full sun, meaning a minimum of six hours of direct sun including the hour of noon with all day being better. In shade, it may lose some leaves to compensate for the lack of light. I hope this helps you troubleshoot. |
