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Salix flamingo

babs.karaOAJD3tz0babs.karaOAJD3tz0 Posts: 14
in Problem solving
Planted a Salix Flamingo 4 weeks ago in a sunny position in the ground watered ever 2 days on arrival it already had little pink leaves but tips of leaves  now seem to be going little brown. All advuce much appreciated. TIA. 
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    How much water are you giving it? 

    Salix = willow … they need really damp soil. I would be giving it two buckets full of water, poured slowly over the root area, twice a week at this stage. Three times a week if we get a hot dry spell. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • babs.karaOAJD3tz0babs.karaOAJD3tz0 Posts: 14
    Thank you very much. Usually Water it with about half standard watering can as need to get new connector for hose. I do aim for the root but water sometimes tend to follow the earth drains! Sorry best description😏😏
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Get a 1 litre plastic bottle and cut off the bottom then bury 2/3rds of the bottle, narrow end downwards, near the rootball of your willow and angled inwards.   Pour your water thru there so it goes directly to the roots and doesn't run off.

    10 to 15 litres at a time.  That will make the roots head down into the soil where they can find their own water once established.   For this first summer tho you'll need to water it while it settles in and increase the frequency in hot spells.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • LittlegardenLittlegarden Posts: 105
    Also try and get a good layer of compost/mulch around it. On beechgrove they recently planted with a dip so that the water collects near the roots.
  • babs.karaOAJD3tz0babs.karaOAJD3tz0 Posts: 14
    Thank you so much will have a go. Great advice sooo much appreciated.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you're not in a reliably wet area, you need a good hearty soil mix to help prevent moisture loss. Lots of organic matter added through the year, especially coming out of winter when the soil should be damp. A good think mulch will help at that point.

    Don't underestimate how much water they need, especially until established. I'm assuming it's one of those standards as that's how they're mostly sold? They're more vulnerable than an ordinary shrub.
    However- new growth in spring can also be hit by frosts. Not usually a problem though. They grow new foliage once conditions are suitable.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • babs.karaOAJD3tz0babs.karaOAJD3tz0 Posts: 14
    Thank you sooo much fairygirl. Its very cloudy/overcast here today no sun in kent, just had another look at my Salix watered again will probably water 3 times today, more brown tips seems to be appearing. I will be heartbroken if it gets worse!! Thank you for taking time to help me. X
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    One good soaking is much better than 3 small waterings. A good soaking means that the water gets right down to below the root area which encourages the roots to reach downwards, whereas lighter waterings mean that the moisture stays near the surface and therefore so do the roots … then when the summer comes and the surfaces of the soil heats up the roots get parched in the warm dry soil. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Do as @Dovefromabove describes re the watering - light watering several times is pointless, and can be harmful.
    A big bucketful of water a few times a week is the method.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • babs.karaOAJD3tz0babs.karaOAJD3tz0 Posts: 14
    Thank you very much Dovefromabove..i like your name very heavenly! Will give it another soaking later today much appreciated. 
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