Q.Why Are My Photinia Leaves Turning Off Color/ What Mulch To Use
Firstly, thank you for answering my question about my loropetalum plants. I also have these photinia shrubs and the older leaves on some of them are turning bright orange/red. This is not new growth, these are established leaves. What is going on with them? They are treated every 10 days with a rotational fungicide, planned in sandy loam on a small mound. I think it’s a deficiency of some kind, but not sure which one and don’t want to hurt anything. Would mulching help? If so, what kind of mulch do I use?(please be specific or link to specific products) do I compost? What type of compost? Cow manure? Organic stuffs? I’ve never used compost or mulch on anything before and there are so many options, it’s very confusing. Thank you so much for this page!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Interesting coloration. They DO start out red, but should quickly go to green. That seems severe for a nitrogen deficiency, but testing the soil would reveal whether this was the case, or if it were something else. I'm wondering if the soil is not acidic enough. Testing these factors will reveal the issue, likely. If none of these are off, then I could suspect an overwatering issue.
These two articles will help with testing:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend specific products. This article can help you understand what more you will need, however:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/red-tip-photinia-fertilizer.htm
This collection of articles will offer more information:
