Question From: M. Cipriano - Escondido, California, United States
Q: Lonicera problems. I have two specimens in different locations. One is big and beautiful the other is growing but the leaves are small and yellow. The new growth often dies off. I have sprayed with spinosad every couple of weeks without any success. The sickly looking plant gets more sun and the soil is possible poorer quality but otherwise both plants are treated the same. I have included photos of both plants... Differences should be obvious.
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A: Lack of water will cause yellowing leaves and leaf drop. Scale, which is hard to detect may also be an issue. Take some samples into your local independent garden center or nursery for a more accurate Id. I would fertilize the shrub with Espoma Plant Tone once a year - late winter or spring and mulch around it compost and a layer of wood chips. An inch of water a week is suggested. Do not spray it with a pesticide unless you see and can identify the pest. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
