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Apr 27, 2015 6:25 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Nitfarb
Charlotte NC (Zone 7a)
My foundation planted loropetalum were doing well until after the cold winter in Charlotte NC. I have fed with acid loving shrub spikes and sprayed with ironite. They are changing somewhat from yellow to green with new growth burgundy. But, they are very thin. Any suggestions?
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Apr 27, 2015 7:52 AM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
That sounds like a good treatment to me, except I'm not a big fan of the spikes. They dissipate very slowly, and in a limited area.

It's actually better to maybe break up a couple of spikes with a hammer or something and sprinkle it over the root area of the shrub. This will allow the fert to dissipate faster during this time of rapid growth, and also to get to more of the root system.

Don't forget the roots of your shrub extend out beyond the reach of the branches, not just in by the base.

A pelleted, time-release fert is a better choice going forward. Something like Nutricote or Osmocote. Amending the soil regularly with compost will help with soil pH balance, too.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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Apr 27, 2015 9:00 AM CST
Name: Jean
Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a)
Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier The WITWIT Badge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Sages
I agree and here is a bit of good general info on Loropetalums.

http://www.absolutewonder.com/...

Also, NC co-operative extension service has a pruning timetable for shrubs that may be of use to you in general.

http://polk.ces.ncsu.edu/pruni...
Avatar for Nitfarb
Apr 27, 2015 10:45 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Nitfarb
Charlotte NC (Zone 7a)
Thank you so much for you're responses. I'm really a beginning Gardener and so glad to have found this website where everyone is so helpful.
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Apr 27, 2015 6:43 PM CST
Name: Jean
Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a)
Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier The WITWIT Badge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Sages
You are very welcome. Smiling

You have absolutely found a wealth of information around here...helpful folks that enjoy sharing their garden know-how.
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Apr 27, 2015 7:09 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
It's our pleasure.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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