Salix rizeensis Care

Salix rizeensis

A willow species endemic only to the cool, rainy mountainous regions of Rize with acidic soil, which needs constant moisture. Growing it in Izmir's hot, chalky conditions is almost impossible; for survival it needs partial shade, special acidic soil and constant watering with lime-free water.

Hardy · -35 °C / -31 °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

Watering: Not needed if the winter rains are sufficient; prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Pruning: Not done. Pruning in winter causes the loss of the spring catkins.
Plant protection: Apply dormant mineral oil if needed.
General care: Cover the root zone with acidic mulch (pine needles).
Pests & diseases: Watch out for the risk of root rot.

February

Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown.
Plant protection: Avoid spraying during the flowering period.
General care: Catkins (flowers) open.
Frost risk: Flowers can be sensitive to frost.

March

Watering: If the soil begins to dry, water abundantly (30-40 L/week), use lime-free water; reduce if there is rain.
Fertilizing: Fertilizer or iron sulfate may be applied for acid-loving plants; do not overapply.
Pruning: Main pruning time. Prune immediately after the catkins have finished. To keep the plant young, you can cut hard back (coppicing).
General care: Pruned branches can be easily propagated from cuttings.
Pests & diseases: Check the new shoots for aphids.

April

Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
Fertilizing: If there are signs of chlorosis (yellowing), give iron chelate; do not overdo it.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: It grows fast.
Pests & diseases: Look for aphids (green or black clusters of small insects) on fresh shoot tips. If there are only a few, you can knock them off with a strong jet of water.

May

Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
Pests & diseases: Check fresh shoot tips for aphids (small clusters of green or black insects). If there are few, you can knock them off with a strong spray of water. Check the undersides of the leaves for orange-brown pustules (rust).

June

Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Use a thick layer of mulch and shading (shade cloth) to keep the root zone cool and moist.
Pests & diseases: Check fresh shoot tips for aphids (small clusters of green or black insects). If there are few, you can knock them off with a strong spray of water. Check the undersides of the leaves for orange-brown pustules (rust).
Frost risk: Protect from the scorching sun and the afternoon sun.

July

Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
Plant protection: Continue checking for spider mites.
General care: It should be in a place that has afternoon shade.
Pests & diseases: Water and heat stress weaken the plant.
Frost risk: Protect from the scorching sun.

August

Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
Plant protection: Continue checking for spider mites.
General care: Maintain the mulch to keep the roots cool.
Frost risk: Protect from the scorching sun.

September

Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Preparing for dormancy.
Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for orange-brown pustules (rust).

October

Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
General care: Its leaves turn yellow. Clear the fallen leaves.

November

Watering: If the winter rains start, stop watering completely.
Plant protection: Apply a copper-based preparation after leaf fall to prevent diseases.
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: Not done. Remember, this willow is pruned in spring after the flowers.
Pests & diseases: Watch out for the risk of root rot.

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.

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