Salix losing its leaves

Question

I have two Salix integra ‘Flamingo’ plants in pots on my patio (see photo 1). I have noticed in the last week or so that there leaves are going brown and they are losing many of their leaves. It has been very hot in the UK and I’m not sure if I have over/under watered them. I water probably every other day. They have soil and stones at the bottom of their pot, so drainage should be ok (I am not sure). I haven’t really fed them. Please help as the plants are not looking good and worsening by the day (photo 2).

Answer 1

Stones in the bottom are a poor substitute for drainage holes. Not only do holes prevent root rot from soggy soil and fungal growth from standing water, they also allow oxygen to enter. I also think your tree needs a larger container – one or two sizes up. Water when the surface is dry down 5 cms and give it enough water so that excess runs out the bottom. Use compost that contains sphagnum peat moss. Until the tree recovers. provide it with as much shade as you can rig up or buy shade cloth. Here is more info on growing trees in containers. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/growing-trees-in-containers.htm

Answer 2

Thank you – that is v. helpful. The pot has 3 small holes in the bottom and then stones on top and then soil (is this not sufficient to aid good drainage?). So you suggest new, larger pots with sphagnum peat moss soil and put the plants in the shade?