Bottlebrush shrubs

Question

I have dwarf bottlebrush shrubs in many places of my yard. Many of the shrubs look yellowish. A few of the greener ones have a few blooms. I see no evidence of insects. They are drip watered. I live in Sun Lakes, Az. We have recently moved here. The shrubs were pruned before we came to keep them to a small size. The newer foliage is staying very pale too. I notice my neighbors bb shrubs are much greener. What should I be doing for them?

Answer 1

Your bottlebrush shrubs might have a nutrient deficiency. If the younger leaves are paler/yellower than the older leaves, it’s most likely an iron or manganese deficiency. With iron deficiency, you will usually see the leaf veins staying green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow. If all the leaves are turning yellow, including the leaf veins, or if the older leaves trun yellow first, it is more likely a nitrogen deficiency.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/leaf-chlorosis-and-iron.htm
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/homeowners/070828.html

If your shrubs are not in full sun, the yellowing could also be caused by low light levels.