My Garden

Salix Flamingo

Last post 12-07-2009 5:25 PM by Muttley. 2 replies.

• 27/06/2009 09:08 AM
  Muttley Location: Wigan, Lancs Joined on: 27 Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Reply | Contact I was forced to transplant 2 Flamingo trees in full bloom during hot sunny weather and drive them home (one hour journey). I tried to keep as much soil around the roots as possible but fear it was not enough as they have now gone brown and dry. I have been watering them well every evening for a week. Will they come back next year? Is there anything else I can do?

• 06/07/2009 01:15 AM

  In reply to

  hydropiper Location: Cardiff Joined on: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 60

  Reply | Contact In my opinion Salix flamigo is the ugliest tree ever to hit garden centre shelves. Quite frankly they deserve to die. However, if you are intent on keeping them alive you might try re-planting them using microrhiza granules sprinked into the planting hole, but don't mix the granules with the soil as they need to be in contact with the roots to be effective.  Basically they are a type of bacteria which lives in symbiosis with plant roots and if present in the soil allow the plant to better take up nutriment and water. They used them on Gardener's World last year, but I'm not sure how affective they are, as I've never used them. If the leaves are turning brown it could be that you are overwatering them, rather than underwatering them. Watering them everyday seems like too much, even for recent transplants, unless the weather has been particularly hot. The leaves turning brown could be due to scorching from the sun or wind, or simply wilted and shrivelled as a result of the relocation trauma. I suggest spreading a thick layer of mulch over the rootball, this will conserve moisture around the roots and keep them cool. You could use composted bark or garden compost as mulch. But spread it over the surface of the soil, don't dig it in. You maybe also be consoled that mature plants when moved can often take a couple of years to settle in before performing their best again.          Chris

• 12/07/2009 05:25 PM	In reply to
  Muttley Location: Wigan, Lancs Joined on: 27 Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Reply | Contact Thanks for the advice.  If they grow nice next year I'll send you a pic to put on your wall as you like them so much!