Iigiri
Idesia polycarpa · Salicaceae
📷 賴亮名 · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around iigiri and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June, discreet fragrant flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 8 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15 °C
- Origin
- China and Japan
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rich in organic matter
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Idesia polycarpa wants deep, rich, and slightly moist soil; avoid compacted soils. Plant bare-root in November-December for best establishment.
The common mistake
Planting it in poor or dry soil, thinking its hardiness is enough; the tree stays weak, leaves stay small and fruits are scarce.
The pro's trick
Place two trees nearby (10-15 m apart) for cross-pollination and abundant production of autumn red-scarlet drupes that are highly ornamental and beloved by wildlife.
Care
Sunlight
Place your Idesia in full sun to promote beautiful flowering and dense foliage. It tolerates partial shade but prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid overly windy locations that could damage it.
Watering
Water regularly during the first years to promote rooting. Once established, Idesia tolerates moderate drought periods well. In hot summers or prolonged dry spells, increase watering.
Soil Preparation
Prepare well-drained soil rich in humus and organic matter. Incorporate well-decomposed compost or manure when planting. Avoid overly compact or waterlogged soils that promote root rot.
Fertilizing and Nutrition
An annual application of well-ripened compost in spring is generally sufficient. If foliage appears weak, use a balanced diluted fertilizer when growth resumes. Avoid excess nitrogen, which delays flowering.
Pruning and Shaping
Prune lightly after flowering (June-July) to maintain an attractive shape. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in winter outside frost periods. Regular pruning of young trees promotes a balanced branched structure.
Diseases and Pests
Idesia is generally not very susceptible to pests and diseases. Watch for aphids or mites if the tree experiences water stress. Good drainage and proper aeration prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Idesia is famous for its spectacular clusters of small red to orange berries that persist long on the tree after leaf fall, providing a precious food source for birds in winter. In Asia, it has long been cultivated for its ornamental qualities and the ecological interest it provides.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.