Losing a tree or shrub can be distressing, especially if it was expensive, had sentimental value or was performing an important function such as screening. We consider some of the most common reasons why plants fail to help avoid a repeat in the future.
African mallow (Anisodontea capensis), also known as Cape mallow is a gorgeous flowering shrub that can add vibrant colors and visual interest to gardens and landscapes. However these plants can sometimes suffer from issues that lead to decline and even death. As an avid gardener and African mallow enthusiast, I’ve seen my fair share of sick mallow shrubs over the years. If your prized African mallow is looking poorly and you’re wondering why it’s dying, read on for the most common culprits.
Overwatering
One of the most frequent mistakes I see gardeners make with African mallow is overwatering. These shrubs prefer well-draining soil and can easily succumb to root rot if their roots sit in soggy conditions for too long. Symptoms of overwatering include yellowing or wilting leaves, stunted growth, and plant collapse. To remedy, allow the soil to thoroughly dry out between waterings. Improve drainage by adding organic material like compost to the soil. Cut back on watering frequency and quantity.
Underwatering
While overwatering is problematic the opposite extreme can also spell doom. African mallow needs consistently moist (but not soggy) soil to thrive. Underwatering causes the leaves to dry out turn brown, and fall off. Revive an under-watered shrub by giving it a deep, thorough soaking and watering regularly going forward. Add mulch to help retain moisture.
Poor Soil Drainage
Even if you’re watering correctly, excessive moisture can accumulate in the soil if drainage is poor. These shrubs demand well-aerated soil that allows excess water to percolate down. Planting in dense, heavy clay soil can lead to wet conditions. Consider amending the soil with compost or creating a raised planting bed to improve drainage.
Nutrient Deficiency
African mallow requires proper nutrition to produce lush growth and prolific blooms. Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium shows up as yellowed leaves, weak growth, and few flowers. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost to replenish the soil if nutrients are lacking. But don’t over-fertilize, which can burn the roots.
Pests
Spider mites, scale insects, aphids, and other sugary-sap sucking insects frequently attack African mallow. Heavy infestations drain the plant of nutrients, stunting growth. Check for tiny crawling insects on the leaves’ undersides or sticky deposits. Knock pests off with a strong spray of water and treat with insecticidal soap as needed.
Diseases
Several fungal diseases impact African mallow, especially in hot, humid conditions. Powdery mildew coats leaves with white fungal growth. Rust appears as red or orange blisters on leaves. Root rot manifests as stunted growth and branch dieback. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy diseased parts. Apply organic fungicides if disease is severe.
Environmental Stress
Heat, cold, wind, or excess sun can overwhelm African mallows, especially younger plants. Try to situate them in a protected microclimate. Shield from hot afternoon sun or gusty winds. Avoid planting in frost pockets. New transplants need time to adjust to outdoor conditions; harden them off gradually. Mature plants can better tolerate environmental fluctuations.
Improper Care
The demise of many African mallows boils down to improper care. Practices like incorrect planting depth, poor pruning technique, insufficient sunlight or fertilization, and damage from weed whackers or other gardening tools can stress the shrub. Educate yourself on the plant’s specific requirements before and after planting. Proper care promotes health and prevents decline.
The loss of a beloved African mallow can be disappointing and frustrating. But in many cases, the damage can be reversed if caught early. Identify and address the underlying problem, whether it’s overwatering, pests, or environmental factors. With prompt troubleshooting and a bit of TLC, you can nurse your ailing African mallow back to its former vibrant glory. Let this guide help you diagnose and treat whatever may be causing your precious shrub to die. With vigilance and care, the bountiful blooms will flourish once again.
Common reasons new trees or shrubs fail
It would be wonderful if every new plant we bought thrived. However, as every experienced gardener knows, sometimes new plants do sadly die. Buying from a reputable nursery that offers a 3-5 year guarantee is some safeguard but it is useful to know why a tree or shrub might have died.
Some of the reasons new plants fail can be specific to whether the plant stayed in its pot or was planted into the garden. Other causes of failure are more general.
How do I tell if my tree or shrub is dead?
This may seem a silly question but it is not always obvious.
Deciduous refers to plants (mainly trees and shrubs) that lose their leaves seasonally, usually during autumn. This is a natural process triggered by the seasons shorter days and lower temperatures and allows plants to conserve energy during the winter months.
When you suspect a plant is dead but are not sure, take the following test;
- Scratch the
Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants. bark (the “scratch test”) on the shoots of your trees or shrub with your thumb nail or a penknife. A stem with green under the bark is alive; a stem with brown under the bark is dead. Living shoots also tend to have smooth, firm bark, whereas dead or dying shoots tend to have flaking, peeling or wizened bark.
- Where the shoots are dead at the tips, repeat the test on thicker wood to see if that is also dead. Where most or all of the upper parts of a plant are brown under the bark, the plant is most likely dead.
- A final test is to scrape the bark of the main stem just below the soil line or on the roots themselves. If this appears dark in colour, especially with any sign of soft, rotting roots, then you can be confident your plant is dead.
Plants that still show some signs of life (e.g. green under the bark or a firm rootstock) could be left for a few months or until spring to see if they improve. Where they continue to deteriorate or simply fail to come into growth in the spring, assume they are dead.
Mallow: An Edible, Medicinal Marvel!
FAQ
How to save a shrub from dying?
What is causing my shrubs to die?
How do you care for African mallow?
Does mallow die in winter?
What happens if a mallow plant goes untreated?
The spots may band together to form enlarged blotches if the disease goes untreated. The leaves may turn yellow and defoliation can occur. Prevent this disease by keeping your mallow’s foliage dry. Always water at the base of the plant, never from overhead. When planting, leave space between your mallow plants to allow for air circulation.
How much water does African Mallow need?
African mallow needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants. Does your plant get direct sunlight?
Are mallow plants susceptible to bacterial leaf spot?
These plants are, however, susceptible to their share of diseases. Bacterial leaf spot, scientifically known as Pseudomonas cichorii, is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves of mallow plants. Around 120 different types of bacteria can instigate this disease, and it is almost impossible, to determine which organism is at fault.
What happens if a mallow leaves turn yellow?
The leaves may turn yellow and defoliation can occur. Prevent this disease by keeping your mallow’s foliage dry. Always water at the base of the plant, never from overhead. When planting, leave space between your mallow plants to allow for air circulation. Overcrowding creates the perfect environment for disease.