Lemon Verbena leaves yellowing. Cause?

Question

The lower leaves of my potted lemon verbena are first yellowing, then falling off. I've had it since early June, and it seemed perfectly healthy until just this past week, so I don't think it's likely to be a sun/shade problem. Is this a sign that I've overwatered it? Would pruning it back harder help?

(Google was little help, although it did turn up tons of lovely lemon verbena recipes...)

Answer 1

Over watering is probably the cause.  Stick your finger into the soil, about 2 inches.  If it's damp, don't water.  If it's dry, water until it runs out of the bottom of the pot.  Don't let it sit in water in the saucer, it can get root rot and die.

Or, it could be root-bound.  Just gently turn it over, dump it out of the pot and check.  It there are lots of roots all wrapped around and around, repot it into a pot at least 2 inches larger than what it's in now.

Lemon Verbena gets huge!  If you live in an area with a mild climate, plant it outdoors.  It goes dormant in the winter, loosing its leave -  so be sure to keep it watered.  It will come back in the springtime.

Answer 2

sounds as though you are not letting it dry thoroughly between waterings. Best thing to do would be to get a probem, and check the moisture level down where the roots are instead of checking maybe an inch of top soil. Let it get as dry as can be, hold under the kitchen faucet and gently fill with water. When the water starts ocming out of the bottom drain holes, put the pot in the sink and turn the water off. when it has quit draining, put it on a saucer and back in the sun. Leave it alone for at least 2 weeks. The probes are cheap and found at WalMart