Salix integra ‘flamingo’ tree - browning

Gracemoppett6 · June 2020

Hi,

I am hoping someone could help me with my Salix tree. I am a novice Gardner but do enjoy maintaining my plants.

About a year ago I bought a galvanised water tank for my front garden - I originally planted a eucalyptus tree in it with bedding plants and some ivy in the corners. This year the tree died (went completely crispy and almost white on the leaves) a photo is attached of the leaves when they started browning with spots about winter time 2019. I noticed it then started growing back this month so took it out and planted it in the garden.

I replanted the water tank about 10 days ago with a Salix Integra flamingo tree. I spent about two hours digging up the compost from this very large tank and getting any root balls and large roots out. I chopped through the compost with my spade and really mixed it up. I then topped the old compost with new compost and planted my Salix. I then covered the top of the compost with white gravel stone. The layer of stone is quite thick.

Nearly 10 days on from planting and my Salix is starting to brown on the very light white leaves with some the green larger leaves also starting to brown.

I have lifted the stones to check the soil and it is dark and feels damp but I wouldn’t say it’s moist. Some days the brown leaves feel crisp but other days (like today) they feel soft. I am completely unsure if it is overwatered or underwatered due to contrasting signs.

I water it with the hose every day unless it’s rained. The tank is very large (normal water tank size). It has drainage holes drilled into the bottom and also broken tiles to help with drainage.

As my ecualyptus tree died I am worried it’s something to do with how I have planted. The spot it’s planted in can be windy when the wind picks up and is usually sunny from AM to about 2pm.

My concern is that maybe the stones are stopping water getting through? But as said I’m a novice. Any help would be greatly appreciated - I am stumped!

(Photos attached)

Thank you
Grace

amancalledgeorge · June 2020

The pot was definitely too small for a greedy eucalyptus as you discovered. This grafted willow looks a good size for it but must be struggling by the exposure to wind especially if the compost isn't right and has caused extra stress. For shrubs and trees in pots the growing medium is doubly important, using a John Innes 3 or a specialist tree and shrub compost is the only way. If it's just a multipurpose type it won't have enough substance to keep them going for long. And if you need to underplant, then maybe try annuals and bulbs for the winter as ivy is really greedy too and will take up vital moisture from the main plant. I don't grow any willows myself but do have small trees in pots which are happy (gingko, magnolia, decorative cherry, citrus) but they need to be watered well and frequently, rain won't do much for them.

Fairygirl · June 2020

These salixes are very prone to damage from wind and other climactic conditions. Like most variegated plants, they're simply not as robust.
Have you lined that tank with anything? In hot weather, it'll fry the roots of anything not equipped to withstand it.
Gravel helps to preserve moisture, so no problem with that. If those are limestone though, it's worth checking if those salixes are ok in that. It can cause problems for certain plants. I don't grow them.

As @amancalledgeorge says - compost alone is no use for long term planting.

Obelixx · June 2020

Salix is a willow. They are happiest in boggy ground and on the banks of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.

I suspect it is thirsty and, maybe, hungry if you've use MPC.

Salix integra ‘flamingo’ tree - browning

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