Garden Care Guide

Rhamnus imeretinus Care

Rhamnus imeretinus

An ornamental shrub grown for its large, showy leaves that likes moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and partial shade. In hot, dry climates such as Izmir, regular and generous watering is vital for its survival.

Hardy · -25 °C / -13 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Fertilizing: Spread a thick layer of well-rotted manure or compost over the soil; do not overapply.
  • Pruning: Severe pruning (cutting close to the ground) can be done to keep the plant under control or to rejuvenate it.
  • General care: Remove shoots (suckers) coming from the root and spreading into unwanted areas.
February
  • Fertilizing: Get ready for an application of slow-release balanced fertilizer (e.g. NPK 15-15-15).
  • Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown.
  • Plant protection: Before the buds wake up, a copper-based preparation can be applied as a precaution.
  • General care: For new plantings, enrich the soil with plenty of compost and organic matter.
  • Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings from severe frosts.
March
  • Watering: If the soil begins to dry, 20-25 L/week; keep it moist; reduce if there is rain.
  • Fertilizing: Apply balanced NPK fertilizer to the soil at the label rate. Do not overapply.
  • Plant protection: Watch for snail and slug damage on young leaves.
  • General care: To conserve soil moisture, spread organic mulch (leaf mold, bark) over the root zone.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the newly emerging giant leaves.
  • Frost risk: Late frosts can damage young shoots.
April
  • Watering: Increase watering to 30-40 L/week; the soil must never dry out completely; reduce if there is rain.
  • Fertilizing: If necessary, support once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer; do not overfeed.
  • Plant protection: Aphids may be seen; if necessary, apply soapy water or neem oil.
  • General care: Cut unwanted root suckers as they appear.
  • Pests & diseases: Keep an eye on leaf health.
May
  • Watering: Continue watering, 30-40 L/week; reduce if there is rain.
  • General care: Continue removing root suckers.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure the leaves stay healthy and green.
June
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Plant protection: Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for spider mites.
  • General care: Make sure the plant is shaded in the afternoon, as sun can cause leaf burn.
  • Pests & diseases: Scorch and wilting on the leaf edges are the first signs of drought; water immediately.
July
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Plant protection: Continue checking for spider mites, especially in dry, hot weather.
  • General care: After hot winds, wetting the leaves in the cool of the evening can be beneficial.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see wilting on the leaves, check the soil moisture and water immediately.
August
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Plant protection: Keep up checks for spider mites and other sucking insects.
  • General care: Make sure the mulch layer is sufficient.
  • Pests & diseases: Monitor for signs of heat stress.
September
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Plant protection: Continue checking for spider mites.
  • General care: Its fruits ripen; keep removing root suckers.
  • Pests & diseases: Assess the effects of summer stress on the plant.
October
  • Watering: Gradually reduce watering as temperatures fall (20-30 L/week); reduce if there is rain.
  • Fertilizing: A low-nitrogen autumn fertilizer rich in potassium can be applied; do not overapply.
  • General care: Enjoy the yellow autumn colors. You can leave the fallen leaves at the base of the plant as mulch.
November
  • Watering: If the winter rains start, stop watering completely.
  • Pruning: Winter pruning can begin once leaf fall is complete.
  • General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
  • Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings during the first winter.
December
  • Pruning: If desired, you can prune the plant hard to 15-20 cm above the ground so that it grows back strongly every year.
  • General care: Remove root suckers around the plant.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.

Browse all plant guides