Yellow leaves on Escallonia shrubs can be worrying, especially if this is the first time something like this has affected your plant.
Watering issues are usually to blame (either under or overwatering), but it can also be due to a sudden change in temperature or even disease.
In this guide, we’ll explore the seven most common reasons for Escallonia leaves turning yellow so you can quickly find out what is wrong and get your plant back to health.
Contents
7 Causes Of Yellow Leaves On Escallonias
Let’s get straight into the list.
1. Overwatered
When you overwater your Escallonia, it may cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Overwatering affects the roots, effectively starving them of oxygen and eventually causing them to rot.
During this time, the leaves will be affected as the roots struggle to transport nutrients, causing them to droop and turn yellow.
Make sure to provide the right amount of water to maintain healthy leaves and growth – this is usually once or twice per week, so that the soil stays moist but not saturated with water.
2. Droughts
Droughts can also contribute to yellow leaves on your Escallonia. During hot spells or periods of low rainfall, the ground may be too dry, causing dehydration and yellowing leaves.
It’s common for leaves affected by droughts to quickly turn brown and crispy as well.
Regularly check the soil moisture and provide sufficient water during dry periods to keep your plant healthy – it’s all about finding a balance with watering so your Escallonias are getting the right amount of water.
3. Disease
Escallonia plants can sometimes suffer from leaf spot disease, which causes dark spots on the leaves, eventually turning them yellow and causing them to fall.
Diseases are more likely to affect your plants if there is low air circulation around the leaves and if you leave moisture on the leaves from watering them. It will also usually strike when the weather is warm.
We’ll get into disease management later in this guide, but affected leaves will need to be pruned as soon as possible to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the plant.
4. Low Temperature
Yellow leaves can also be a result of low temperatures.
Frost is a factor that may cause yellowing leaves on your Escallonia, and you should avoid growing them in areas where the temperature regularly drops below 23°F.
Keep an eye on your plant during the colder months and protect it from extreme cold and frost.
5. Lack Of Drainage
Poor drainage in the soil can lead to yellow leaves on your Escallonia, making it much more likely for overwatering to happen.
Excess water trapped in the soil may prevent proper root growth and oxygen absorption, affecting the leaves and potentially leading to root rot.
Ensure your plant is growing in well-draining soil to maintain its health and water once to twice per week.
6. Part Of The Life Cycle
It’s normal for all evergreens, including Escallonia, to have a few yellow leaves as part of their life cycle.
Leaf shedding and renewal is a natural process and doesn’t always indicate a problem with your plant.
Escallonias are also very sensitive to seasonal changes, so don’t be surprised if you notice a few leaves turning yellow and eventually dropping off when the temperature changes in spring time.
7. Too Much/Too Little Sunlight
Sunlight is essential for the growth and health of your Escallonia. However, too much or too little sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow:
- A lack of sunlight reduces overall growth as it is needed for photosynthesis. If your Escallonia is subject to a lot of shade, expect leaf drop and yellowing/drooping leaves.
- Too much sunlight can scorch the leaves, and underwatered Escallonias are at a higher risk due to a lack of moisture in the leaves.
Monitor the sunlight exposure of your plant and adjust its location if you suspect it’s getting too much or too little light.
Most Escallonias thrive with full sun, but you may find it easier to keep them in more shade if you live somewhere particularly hot.
Treatment And Prevention Of Yellow Leaves On Escallonias
Here are some important tips to consider to prevent and treat yellow leaves on Escallonias.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to promote healthy growth and prevent yellow leaves on your escallonia.
It’s best to prune your escallonia hedge or shrub in late spring or early summer after it finishes blooming.
Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and trim back any congested growth to ensure good air circulation. This will help minimize the risk of disease and pests affecting your plant.
Disease/Pest Management and Control
Escallonia leaf spot is just one of many diseases that can affect your Escallonia. Keep the foliage dry by avoiding overhead watering to prevent and control diseases like this.
If you notice any infected leaves, remove them promptly to prevent the disease from spreading. You can also use a fungicide spray on your plant in the early stages of infection to help control the leaf spot.
Additionally, check your plant regularly for pests like aphids, which may cause yellowing leaves. If you find any pests, remove them, and consider using a natural or chemical pest control product to protect your escallonia.
Water and Irrigation
Proper water management is crucial in ensuring the health of your escallonia, whether growing in pots or directly in the ground.
Escallonias thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, requiring fairly consistent watering, especially during hot summer (usually once to twice weekly). However, it’s important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Investing in a proper irrigation system, like a drip or soaker hose, is a great idea to provide your escallonia with adequate water without causing standing water or excessively wet soil.
Monitor the moisture levels regularly, and adjust your watering schedule to maintain healthy, green foliage throughout the growing season.
In Summary
Here’s a quick recap of the essential care tips for preventing yellow leaves on Escallonias:
- Ensure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Place it in well-draining soil and water consistently.
- Prune yearly after the flowering period.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Be vigilant for signs of Escallonia leaf spot and take preventative measures.
By following these tips, you should no longer have problems with yellow leaves.
Check out some of our other guides for yellow leaves on plants below: