Question
Chinese Star Jasmine
Hi Kathleen, although you are in America and we are in Australia, I assume the same applies: We have a number of Chinese Star Jasmines climbing a wall down the side of our house that have been planted for about a year now. We live in the south west corner of Western Australia which has a beautiful climate, doesn't get any more than about 36C (average 28C) in summer and only down to about 5C in the winter. 3 out of about 10 are suffering yellow leaves on about 30% of their foliage but the rest are fine. I think we can rule out position as the 3 seem to be in better than the others. I have tried various fertilizers but none seem to be working. Is there a specific nutrient or compounds that they like/ (i.e. potassium rich or anything like that)
Thank you in anticipation, Ian Farrell
AnswerGood day, Ian!
Western Oz!!! You are so lucky. I lived in Melbourne for a few years as a child, but I never got out your way. Went back in 2008 for a visit and still regret not making the trek West; we Americans often forget just how vast your beautiful country really is.
Thanks for the photo of your Chinese Star Jasmine - it's always helpful to get a "visual" for what we're discussing! Based on what I can see, I think your soil might be a bit deficient in iron. Unless the soil is absolutely saturated (in which case the moisture would cause the leaf-yellowing), iron deficiency is the most common culprit in leaf yellowing. I know that it seems strange that only three of your 10 vines exhibit these symptoms, but it is totally plausible, as soil composition can change drastically within a few feet and sometimes even a few inches from one end of the planting area to the other. If the vines are all getting consistent sun and water, then a little bit of iron worked into the soil around the yellowing vines might help. The condition is called "iron chlorosis." You can buy iron-based fertilizer at a good garden center; read the package carefully and - as with anything except for chocolate -- using too little is always better than using too much. Good luck and please keep me posted.
