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Ceanothus problem

traceyweber64traceyweber64 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I planted a ceanothus a month's ago in a flower border in the front garden, behind a short wall. At first it seemed to be doing ok but now it's got some yellow leaves, l bought the Autumnal blue variety thinking it was the strongest, any suggestions what the problem could be, l water it often ,the soil is clay, which l thought would be fine

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I'd guess it's over watered, they do like a free drained soil.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Yellowing leaves are the sign of a stressed plant, which can happen for a number of reasons...

    How wide is your border? It looks a very narrow strip, and even the variety you have can grow to several metres high, so I don’t think you have allocated it enough space. It will be in competition with the nearby grass for water and soil nutrients and the grass will win with a new small plant. I grow one on clay soil, but they do need improved drainage, so lots of compost and grit mixed in. They like a sunny spot sheltered from cold winds. I would give it a clear 50x50cm area by digging out more grass, improving the soil and replanting it centrally so it has a bit more space between it and the wall. The base of a wall can also be very dry, so perhaps more water until it is properly established and growing away strongly.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • HeliosHelios Posts: 232
    I agree with @Nollie on moving it. The car in the pic is quite close and if your ceanothus does take and grow there won’t be much room to squeeze past it. More space and open ground is what it needs with fairly free draining soil.
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    Ceanothus are also 'Nitrogen-Fixers' ; best never fed and (as above) prefer a well drained soil .
  • traceyweber64traceyweber64 Posts: 3
    Thanks for the helpful comments l will cut the border wider to give it more room and provide more drainage, by mixing compost with grit. 
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Good luck, hope it thrives for you.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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