Princess leaves turning reddish bronze

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kyrral pomona,ca and crestl, United States May 18, 2015

In Pomona, zone 10a a 2 month onl transplanted Princess Flower has never really greened out. The leaves were gradually turning yellow but weren't really falling off. Now after a few days heavy rain they are turning a beautiful reddish bronze. Whats going on?

Post #10075826
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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) May 18, 2015

Is this the plant?
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1552

These plants appreciate rich soil, and yellowing leaves or looking poor sounds like a lack of fertilizer. But just 2 months out of the can this seems odd. Was it over grown in the can, root bound? That would explain it.

As for turning red-bronze, that is a sign of stress. The leaves may be edged with just a hint of red. Turning all red-bronze is not good.

Post #10076152
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kyrral pomona,ca and crestl, United States May 22, 2015

That's the plant.

Thumbnail by kyrral Thumbnail by kyrral
Post #10078736
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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) May 22, 2015

Very stressed plant.

Here is what I would do:
1) Clear away the competition, at least a 3' diameter clean circle around the plant.
2) Work some slow release fertilizer into the soil in this area.
3) Mulch with bark, chips or something plant based. Do not bury the stem of this shrub in mulch- hold it back a few inches.
4) Water thoroughly, then use a moisture meter to see when it needs water again. Thoroughly means to lay the hose down near the plant and turn it on slowly, allowing the water to soak in. Move the hose a few times and apply water around the whole 3' diameter circle, giving it plenty of time to deep soak.

Good 'moisture meter' is a freshly sharpened pencil. Plunge it into the root area of the plant. If the pencil comes out dark it is wet. Test again tomorrow. If the pencil comes out with just a few dark spots, water. If the pencil comes out dusty, you should have watered yesterday.

Post #10078983
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kyrral pomona,ca and crestl, United States May 25, 2015

Thanks. I'll try that.

Post #10080499
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