Question
My husband and I just moved into a new home in central Indiana, and planted an Althea bush as part of our new landscaping.  Upon transplanting, we gave it the recommended dose of root stimulant, new mulch, and have been watering it every evening.  It's on the north side of the house so it gets good sun but not full.  Just a day or two after transplanting we noticed many of the leaves turning bright yellow.  They seem to be concentrated toward the center of the plant, but I can find no bugs or other signs of a problem.  It was flowering when we bought it and new flowers continue to bloom.  The rest leaves that have remained green look healthy.  Is this just a normal part of transplant stress?  Should I be concerned, and if so what should we do?  Thanks!

Answer
Vicky,
This is normal for a newly tranplanted shrub to drop it's inner leaves to conserve energy needed for root production.
I would recommend that you fertilize it using a low nitrogen granular fertilizer to help further stimulate root growth.
Keep it well watered and as healthy as possible.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen