Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow from bottom to top, starting with older foliage, sometimes with brown edges Common Causes:

• Overwatering in clay or poorly-draining soil
• Natural aging of lower leaves during late summer/fall
• Nitrogen deficiency in very poor soils

Solutions:

• Check soil drainage; improve with sand or perlite if waterlogged
• Reduce watering frequency, especially in humid conditions
• Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if soil is depleted

Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sand or grit mixed in. Water only when top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turning brown and crispy, progressing inward; leaves feel dry and brittle Common Causes:

• Extreme drought stress during hot weather
• Salt buildup from overfertilization
• Winter damage from cold, drying winds

Solutions:

• Deep water during prolonged drought, but avoid overcompensating
• Flush soil with water to remove salt buildup
• Prune damaged growth in spring after new growth emerges

Prevention: Mulch around base to retain moisture during extreme heat. Use fertilizer sparingly - this plant thrives in poor soil.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Stems and leaves drooping despite moist soil; plant looks deflated Common Causes:

• Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage
• Transplant shock after moving
• Severe underwatering during establishment phase

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot; remove affected areas and replant in dry soil
• Provide temporary shade for transplants
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth

Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage and avoid watering established plants unless severely dry. Allow new plantings to establish gradually.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Leaves falling prematurely, especially in summer; plant looks sparse Common Causes:

• Fungal diseases from poor air circulation
• Stress from inconsistent watering
• Natural response to extreme heat

Solutions:

• Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly
• Maintain consistent moisture during establishment
• Accept some leaf drop as natural in extreme conditions

Prevention: Plant with adequate spacing (2-3 feet apart) and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant remains small, produces few flowers, weak stem development Common Causes:

• Too much shade - needs full sun
• Competition from aggressive plants
• Planting too deep

Solutions:

• Relocate to full sun location (6+ hours daily)
• Remove competing vegetation within 18 inches
• Ensure crown is at or slightly above soil level

Prevention: Choose the sunniest spot available and give plants room to spread without competition.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long, weak stems that flop over; sparse foliage; flowers only at tips Common Causes:

• Insufficient sunlight causing stretching
• Over-fertilization promoting soft growth
• Lack of proper pruning

Solutions:

• Move to full sun location immediately
• Stop fertilizing - lean soil produces stronger stems
• Cut back hard in early spring to promote bushy growth

Prevention: Provide full sun and prune annually to 6-8 inches in early spring before new growth begins.

Pest Problems

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or yellow specks on leaves; fine webbing on stems and leaves Damage Signs: Stippled, yellowing leaves; bronze discoloration; eventual leaf drop Treatment:

• Spray with strong water stream to dislodge mites
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly
• Remove heavily infested foliage Prevention: Keep plants well-watered during hot, dry weather when mites thrive. Encourage beneficial insects.

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and flower buds Damage Signs: Curled, distorted leaves; sticky honeydew on foliage; sooty mold Treatment:

• Blast off with water from hose
• Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
• Release ladybugs or lacewings for natural control Prevention: Avoid over-fertilizing which creates soft, aphid-attracting growth. Monitor new growth regularly.

Whiteflies

Identification: Tiny white flying insects that flutter when plant is disturbed Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, reduced vigor Treatment:

• Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations
• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to undersides of leaves
• Remove heavily infested leaves Prevention: Maintain good air circulation and avoid overcrowding plants. Inspect new plants before adding to garden.

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems; distorted new growth Causes: High humidity, poor air circulation, overhead watering Treatment:

• Apply fungicide labeled for powdery mildew
• Remove affected foliage and destroy
• Improve air circulation by thinning plants Prevention: Plant in full sun with good air movement. Water at soil level, not overhead. Space plants adequately.

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, mushy stems at base Causes: Overwatering, heavy clay soil, poor drainage Treatment:

• Dig up plant and inspect roots
• Cut away black, mushy roots with sterile tools
• Replant in well-draining soil or raised bed Prevention: Amend heavy soils with coarse sand or perlite. Plant on slopes or in raised beds. Never mulch against stems.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Plant wilts even when soil is moist; leaves yellow and drop; stems become soft at base Identification: Roots are black, mushy, and smell bad when dug up Treatment:

• Remove plant from soil immediately
• Cut away all affected roots with sterile scissors
• Replant in fresh, well-draining soil mix Prevention: Plant in sandy, well-draining soil. Water only when necessary. Ensure proper drainage in planting area.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Slowed growth, reduced flowering, water runs through pot quickly Identification: Roots circle container or form dense mat at soil surface Treatment:

• Transplant to larger container or garden bed
• Gently tease apart circling roots before planting
• Water thoroughly after transplanting Prevention: Transplant container plants every 2-3 years or move to garden beds for unrestricted growth.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden wilting, leaf drop, or dieback after temperature extremes Causes: Rapid temperature changes, late spring frosts, extreme heat waves Treatment: Prune damaged growth after danger passes; provide temporary shade during heat waves Prevention: Choose protected planting sites; apply mulch to moderate soil temperatures; avoid pruning until after last frost.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Rarely a problem - this plant thrives in dry conditions High Humidity Symptoms: Increased fungal diseases, weak growth, poor flowering Solutions: Improve air circulation, reduce watering, thin overcrowded plantings Prevention: Plant in open, sunny locations with good air movement. Avoid dense plantings or humid microclimates.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Rarely occurs - plant thrives in full sun Too Little Light: Weak, floppy growth; few flowers; increased disease susceptibility Solutions: Relocate to full sun position receiving 6-8 hours direct sunlight daily Prevention: Always plant in full sun locations. Avoid north-facing sites or areas shaded by buildings/trees.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant dies back completely to ground level outside of winter
• Persistent wilting despite proper care
• Unusual growths or deformities on stems or leaves

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Plant in full sun location (6+ hours daily)
• [ ] Ensure excellent soil drainage before planting
• [ ] Space plants 2-3 feet apart for air circulation
• [ ] Water only during establishment or severe drought
• [ ] Prune to 6-8 inches in early spring
• [ ] Avoid fertilizing established plants

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, adjust care conditions, monitor closely Week 2-3: New growth should appear if plant is recovering; continue monitoring Month 1+: Full recovery evident with vigorous new growth and return to normal appearance

Remember: Most Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.