Hardy Amur Privet
I reside in Warminster, Bucks County. During the month of May, I planted 120, 18-24" high, bare root Hardy Amur Privet plants as a future formal privacy hedge on the rear perimeter of my property. I had ordered the plants from a grower in Illinois and after soaking the roots for 24 hours, I planted them 18" apart for a hedge as advised by the grower.
In order to prepare the soil for planting, I tilled trenches deep enough to accommodate the roots and then re-tilled the soil, working in Espoma starter fertilizer. The area for planting receives 60% full sun and 40% part sun.
Due to the excessive heat this past summer, I kept the plants well watered. Over the past 5 months, new growth has been observed: stem thickening and branching with green foliage.
However, over the past two weeks, I have observed moderate to acute yellowing of the foliage on approximately 30% of the plants. This is concerning, since they appeared to be healthy and growing well since planting.
Can you offer any suggestions as to what might be causing this problem?
I considered a symptom of chlorosis, but am not certain that an application of chelated iron would be the proper solution for such young plants. If there is a potential soil problem, what would be the proper pH for Privet nutrient uptake, and at this time of the year, would soil amendments be advisable?
In order to prepare the soil for planting, I tilled trenches deep enough to accommodate the roots and then re-tilled the soil, working in Espoma starter fertilizer. The area for planting receives 60% full sun and 40% part sun.
Due to the excessive heat this past summer, I kept the plants well watered. Over the past 5 months, new growth has been observed: stem thickening and branching with green foliage.
However, over the past two weeks, I have observed moderate to acute yellowing of the foliage on approximately 30% of the plants. This is concerning, since they appeared to be healthy and growing well since planting.
Can you offer any suggestions as to what might be causing this problem?
I considered a symptom of chlorosis, but am not certain that an application of chelated iron would be the proper solution for such young plants. If there is a potential soil problem, what would be the proper pH for Privet nutrient uptake, and at this time of the year, would soil amendments be advisable?
Answer
You to have done everything correctly by the book. I checked the appropriate pH Range for the pants, which is between 5.8–7.5 pH. I would suggest you take a soil sample to the Extension Service in Bucks County, 1282 Almshouse Road, Neshaminy Manor Center Doylestown, PA 18901-2896 215-345-2896,
Email: BucksExt@psu.edu