It's looked pretty sad for many years. Should we try anything to save it? Have tried fertilising in the past. Should I dare to cut it right back?
Hi @liz11,
There's certainly still plenty of live growth there, so I think it's worth trying to revive it before giving up on it.
Could you tell us a little more about the care it's received over the past few years? In particular, how often is it watered, when was it last fertilised and have you ever improved the soil around its base?
The yellowing foliage and sparse growth suggest the plant has been struggling for some time, potentially from insufficient water or nutrients. The surrounding black paving could also be contributing, as it can absorb and radiate quite a bit of heat around the plant and root zone during warmer weather.
I'd be inclined to prune back the obviously dead and struggling growth, give it a suitable fertiliser if you haven't done so recently, and make sure it's receiving consistent deep watering. I wouldn't cut the whole plant right back just yet.
Given it's been struggling for several years, I'd also be interested in the condition of the soil underneath those stones. Poor, compacted or depleted soil could be contributing to the ongoing problem.
Here are a couple of helpful guides: How to diagnose a revive a sick lilly pilly and How to grow and care for a lilly pilly.
Let me know a little more about what you've been doing for it, and we can work out the best approach from there.
Mitchell
Thanks so much Mitchell!
In summer it's hand watered with a hose on average 2-3 times per week, plus the irrigation dripper that goes off every 1-2 days. In winter it's just the rain.
Think I've only tried Seasol + Powerfeed in the past, plus occasionally some Rooster Booster and Dynamic Lifter.
Thanks for the additional information, @liz11.
It certainly sounds like you've been providing plenty of water and nutrients, so I don't think a lack of fertiliser is necessarily the main issue here. In fact, I'd hold off on adding more fertiliser for the moment.
Given how long the plant has been struggling, I'd be more inclined to investigate the soil and root zone. I'd pull back some of the stones around the base and check whether the soil is heavily compacted, excessively wet or particularly dry. It's also worth checking that the dripper is actually wetting the root zone rather than only a small area immediately around the emitter.
The heat radiating from those dark pavers during summer could also be contributing to the stress.
I'd still give the plant a moderate prune to remove the dead and weakest growth, rather than cutting it all the way back. With some attention to the soil and consistent deep watering, I'd give it a chance to respond with fresh growth before considering replacement.
Thanks Mitchell.
I haven't fertilised it for a few months though, should I still hold off? And if not, what do you think I should use?
I would give it a suitable fertiliser if you haven't done so recently, @liz11. Something like https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-osmocote-1kg-native-controlled-release-fertiliser_p2961303 would be a good one to use.
