Can I fertilize a yellowing plant?

Only fertilize if you are sure the plant is nutrient deficient. If the issue is overwatering, adding fertilizer will only stress the roots further.

How do I know if my soil is too acidic?

You can use a simple home soil test kit from a garden center. It will tell you the pH level and if you need to add lime or sulfur.

Why are my viburnum leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil an inch deep to check for moisture.
Check if the area around the plant drains well.
Look at the veins of the yellow leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp. The soil around the base of the plant stays soggy for days after watering.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Ensure the planting site has good drainage and is not sitting in a low spot where water pools.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green, a condition known as chlorosis. This often happens if the soil pH is too high for the plant to absorb iron.
What to do: Test your soil pH and amend it if necessary to make it more acidic. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to give the plant a boost.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your viburnum

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

If the yellowing is widespread and happens quickly, it could indicate root stress. A few yellow leaves near the bottom of the plant in autumn are perfectly normal.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days, and always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Viburnum: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your viburnum 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

Can I fertilize a yellowing plant?: Only fertilize if you are sure the plant is nutrient deficient. If the issue is overwatering, adding fertilizer will only stress the roots further.
How do I know if my soil is too acidic?: You can use a simple home soil test kit from a garden center. It will tell you the pH level and if you need to add lime or sulfur.

Why are my viburnum leaves turning yellow?