Narrowleaf Willow Plant Care

Narrowleaf Willow (Geijera linearifolia) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Geijera genus. Narrowleaf Willow is native to southern Australia.

Narrowleaf Willow displays a small to medium tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Narrowleaf Willow produces small white or cream flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Narrowleaf Willow every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Narrowleaf Willow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Geijera linearifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Narrowleaf Willow prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Narrowleaf Willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Narrowleaf Willow every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Narrowleaf Willow is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Narrowleaf Willow can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Narrowleaf Willow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Narrowleaf Willow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Narrowleaf Willow can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wilga plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Narrowleaf Willow is susceptible to scale insects, citrus leafminer. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Narrowleaf Willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Narrowleaf Willow is native to southern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Narrowleaf Willow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.