Should I remove the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Usually, too much sun causes brown, scorched edges rather than yellowing. Yellowing is almost always related to water or soil nutrients.

Bearberry cotoneaster: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil an inch deep.
Check for standing water near the base.
Inspect the underside of leaves for pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for a long time after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately until the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure your planting area has good drainage so water does not pool around the roots.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green. This often happens if the plant has been in the same spot for many years.
What to do: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring. Follow the package instructions for the size of your shrub.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bearberry cotoneaster

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

A few yellow leaves in late summer are normal as the plant sheds older foliage. Be concerned if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure the soil drains well.

Bearberry cotoneaster: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bearberry cotoneaster and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I remove the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Usually, too much sun causes brown, scorched edges rather than yellowing. Yellowing is almost always related to water or soil nutrients.

Why are my Bearberry Cotoneaster leaves turning yellow?