Drooping Loquat Leaf

Question

Columbia, SC Zone 8 —Tree about 2/3 years in the ground . Plenty of sun . Not standing in wet soil. Planted correctly . I do water it but don’t feel as if I am overwatering. Leaves are continuously drooping, falling off . I feel more than a Loquat should . Getting new leaf but the tree has shallowed in leaf overall appearance . I have fertilized in past with a tree and shrub fertilizer , possibly too heavy . Ordered a 6-6-6 , should be here in a week and will begin the season with this . Is this the right course of action to amend the drooping leaf and force new leaf flushing for the new season ? What would the correct application of 6-6-6 be .. Thank you if you can help

Answer 1

Zone 8 is very chilly for a Loquat. They will survive quite fine, but they will lose many leaves during the winter. This is likely what happened and was mistaken for a lack of fertilizer. Adding fertilizer that is too rich will cause further leaf drop. Now, trying to correct it by adding more fertilizer could kill it.

Allow a year or so for the soil to clear out before adding fertilizers again. After this, they will need an all purpose lawn fertilizer or what you describe as a 6-6-6 will be fine. This will need to be done 2 or 3 times per year after this year's recovery. You will not need to feed them in winter, when they will be slower to grow.

This article will give you more information on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/loquat/growing-loquat-fruit.htm