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Southwestern Gardening

Planting Desert Willow first time help

15 years ago

Hello all,

I just bought Desert Willow for the first time and am looking for help with planting and care taking tips. I'm aware of the low watering needs. The soil in my area is all clay. I intend to plant it on a slope to assist with drainage. The tree is current about 5 feet tall and starting to leaf out. Any ideas on soil I should add to the surrounding area and amount of watering to start out and get the plant established?

Greatly appreciate the help.

John

Comments (2)

petzold6596
15 years ago
Check my answer on the other forum you posted this question.
quercus1
14 years ago
Desert Willows grow like weeds here in the sandy soil of the Mojave Desert. Never planted them in high clay content dirt, but I would think you will need to amend the soil with a bit of sand and a lot of compost. Drainage is important and being on a slope will help. I would keep it moist for the first month or so and watch the leaf color. If they turn yellow, the soil is to wet.
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