Is this chlorosis in my Pentas

[NewGarden81]

Hello, I am a new gardener. I added some grass clippings a month or so ago as mulch for my penta/lantana combo. I transplanted the trio from my local nursery several months ago. Now they just don't look healthy. The lantana has always had a strange shape but now there is something going on there too. I am wondering if it is chlorosis, and if so, what kind? I am in the Houston, Texas area, zone 9a. Thank you.

 

[NewGarden81]

 

[cpp gardener]

The browning is not chlorosis and the grass clippings didn't cause it. It might be a leafspot disease, but probably not serious enough to do more than pluck those leaves. Both Pentas and Lantana are tender to frost, so protect them from frost. If they survive the winter they could use more soil underneath them to raise the level closer to the top and some mild fertilizer.

 

[NewGarden81]

Thank you, I removed as many of the affected leaves as I could, some were rather scorched underneath, but I think you are right about leafspot disease. It is also on my sweet potato slip leaves.

I will add more soil to the penta box after winter as well as a mild fertilizer. It sounds like you are saying the fertilizer will help supply the needed nutrients to improve the light green color of the leaves. Thank you again!