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About James L. Crowder
Expertise
I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience
I have 34 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations
Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications
Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Awards and Honors
Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
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You are here: Experts > Style > Landscaping > Soil Issues > White leaves on Deutzia - pH problem?
Expert: James L. Crowder
Date: 5/11/2008
Subject: White leaves on Deutzia - pH problem?
Question
Hi James. Maybe you can help me with the unusual appearance my deutzia has taken this spring.
I have been enjoying this 6 foot plant for many years, and over the past 3 years I have been rejuvenating it by removing the thickest stems to the ground and new ones have been taking their place. I have had this plant for 12 years, and I have never seen white leaves on it before.
They are almost at the tip of a few of the tallest branches, not all the branches are affected. The leaves are without any green colour, only the veins are green. They are the same texture as the other leaves, just slightly drier. They are not powdery or mouldy at all.
I noticed them the other day from a distance, and I thought they were the white flowers, and I thought it odd because it usually flowers all in one go. On inspection this evening, at twilight when they really shouted at me, I was surprised. I took a torch and found they did have green veins.
I have googled a little, and have found that it could be a deficiency in the soil, possibly iron, or that the iron could actually be there and is unavailable because of a high pH. I don't know what to think, and I'm unaware of anything that could have altered the soil's pH. It is right next to the neighbour's fence though.
Does it sound like a pH problem or a defiency to you, and if so, what is the best method of dealing with this? I am worried that its flowering will be affected, and I don't want to miss the display.
Thank you
Answer
Hi David, Iron deficiency is my guess, but more likely from water than pH. Has it been unusually wet lately or have you mulched lately that could cause the soil to be "wetter". Iron becomes unavailable is wet soils and since it's confined to just the newest growth, it sounds like a recent event has caused it. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Certainly check your pH, you should periodically because fertilizer will change it.
If it becomes more widespread on the plant, spray feed the foliage. If it starts to look better quick, then I suspect water is at the root of your problem. Jim
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