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Irish yew losing needles

pthorn30162rhZNkmjOpthorn30162rhZNkmjO Posts: 7
in Problem solving
My Irish yew plant is 1.5m tall in a pot against a south facing wall in Devon for several years. I have noticed it is gradually losing needles over the last 6 months and is starting to look a bit bare in places. Any ideas how overcome this problem? Thank you 

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Can you include a photo to see the extent of the loss? I have to say it sounds like a sizeable plant to keep in a pot...all my yews are planted in the ground, so no direct experience looking after then in a pot. But other forum members must have some advice. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Yes, photo please.

    Also, when was it last repotted with fresh compost, and what sort of compost mix is it in?  We also need to know the size of pot, and the feeding and watering regime.

     :) 




    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • pthorn30162rhZNkmjOpthorn30162rhZNkmjO Posts: 7

  • pthorn30162rhZNkmjOpthorn30162rhZNkmjO Posts: 7
    I have never replaced compost and water in summer if in dry spell
  • pthorn30162rhZNkmjOpthorn30162rhZNkmjO Posts: 7
    50cm pot and probably just garden soil which slightly acid loam
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I would re pot, it needs new soil.
    water regularly, at least once a week in summer.
    Feed it once a year.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Agreed, never a good idea to use soil in a container, it is too heavy for most plants as the drainage will never be as good. That yew looks starved, remarkably it looks too similar to the sad artificial ones you can buy. But after a repot and a good watering can imagine it recovering, they're tough plants. Get a bag of John Innes 3 compost and give it a treat. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • pthorn30162rhZNkmjOpthorn30162rhZNkmjO Posts: 7
    Thank you all 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    This advice should help 
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=274

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • pthorn30162rhZNkmjOpthorn30162rhZNkmjO Posts: 7
    Just wanted to say that after repottiing as advised with John innes no3 and added grit my yew is now showing alot of new growth and looking very healthy. Thank you for the good and welcome advice. 
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