QUESTION (1 of 3)
Shortly after planting the above shrub (two days), the leaves started to turn
brown and curl. Can you offer any advice as to the cause and possible cure.
ANSWER
The Integra Hakuro Nishiki prefers a shaded area and does not like to
be exposed to the wind. The leaves are sometimes scorched due to the harsh
elements,
but once the plant is established it will not be so sensitive to the sun.
At present, moisture may be lost through the roots. To compensate for this, water thoroughly and also use a weak feed. Spraying the leaves during the evening may also help the leaves to retain more moisture.
I hope this advice is of use, however if you find that your leaves are still
turning brown bring in a scorched leaf so it can be analysed further.
QUESTION (2 of 3)
Could you please give me some advice on pruning of Salix Integra Hakuro Nishiki.
I bought it this Summer and it is approx 1m High x 1m Wide
ANSWER
Thank you for your enquiry regarding Salix Integra Hakuro Nishiki.
This plant will need cutting back by about three quarters of the growth in
the spring. This will encourage the mottled pink new growth which is a unique
feature of this plant. At about the end of March would be the best time to
prune as all the bad weather will have passed.
QUESTION (3 of 3)
We are having a problem with the "salix integra hakuro nishiki" on
stem shrub . The leaves have curled up and become brown and dry. It has been
extremely hot and we have been watering. Could you also let us know how and when
to prune this shrub which is on a long stem. We live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
ANSWER
Thank you for your enquiry regarding your Salix integra hakuro nishike.The reason
that the leaves of your tree have curled up and become brown and dry is probably
due to Scorch. Scorching of leaves can be caused by moisture
on the leaves of the tree which magnifies the suns rays. The plant can not
replace the moisture from the roots fast enough to replenish the rest of the
plant. This can be a particular problem for newly planted and container grown
trees. Try to water your tree in the morning before the suns rays get to hot
or late in the evening when it is cooler. Misting the leaves in the evening
will also help.
Regarding pruning:-
Correct pruning at this stage will help to maintain your tree’s health, vigour and regulate it’s size and shape. In order to achieve these benefits pruning should take place each year.
• Remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood
• Remove any weak or crossing branches
Make sure all your pruning cuts are clean to prevent disease entering the tree through the damaged stems, so always use good quality, sharp tools for this job. Remember that when you are cutting out damaged or diseased growth always cut back to the healthy wood.
You can start some light pruning between now and early September (depending on the climate) but try not to prune much later than this as there will not be much more new growth this year. The best time to prune is in the spring depending on the climate of course! At this time of year you will get plenty of new pink growth.
When cutting back a stem, cut above a strong, healthy bud or shoot. Cut neither too far from the bud, which leaves an opportunity for disease to enter, or to close which could damage the bud itself.
As with all pruning, care should be taken not to spoil the tree’s natural
growth characteristics.