Is yellowing always a sign of disease?

No, it is often a cultural issue related to water or nutrients. Check your watering habits before assuming it is a pest or disease.

Should I fertilize yellow leaves?

Only fertilize if you have confirmed a nutrient deficiency. Fertilizing a stressed or overwatered plant can make the problem worse.

Fraser photinia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
Check the drainage of the planting site.
Look at the leaf veins to see if they are still green.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet and soggy for days after watering.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and is not in a low spot where water pools.
Iron deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The veins of the leaves remain green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow. This often happens in soil with a high pH level.
What to do: Test your soil pH and aim for a range of 5.5 to 6.5. Apply a chelated iron supplement if the soil test confirms an iron deficiency.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fraser photinia

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

It is normal for the oldest leaves at the bottom of the plant to turn yellow and drop occasionally. Be concerned if the yellowing is widespread across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Use a well draining soil mix if growing in a container.

Fraser photinia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fraser photinia 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

Is yellowing always a sign of disease?: No, it is often a cultural issue related to water or nutrients. Check your watering habits before assuming it is a pest or disease.
Should I fertilize yellow leaves?: Only fertilize if you have confirmed a nutrient deficiency. Fertilizing a stressed or overwatered plant can make the problem worse.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Fraser photinia leaves turning yellow?