Weeping willows have a very impressive appearance. In addition, they are very easy to propagate. We present you with two options.
Weeping willows draw everyone's attention. These are bizarre plants which, with their spreading crown and hanging branches, offer a particularly inviting picture. Weeping willows (Salix alba tristis) look particularly impressive in large gardens. The plants can also be planted as a hedge or even cultivated in a bucket.
Weeping willows can be cut to shape accordingly. This results in the cuttings required for propagation. If you already have a weeping willow, it will be easy to propagate. What the hobby gardener should consider when propagating can be read here.
Propagating the weeping willow by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a proven method. Cuttings are easy to obtain and have a good growth guarantee. Cuttings are always cut directly from the tree. This can be done as part of the annual pruning provided you prune your weeping willow appropriately.
Tip: Since the trees tolerate pruning very well, you can take the cuttings at any time of the year. However, the summer should be preferred.
Take about 20 centimeter long cuttings from freshly sprouted branches that already appear slightly woody. Remove the leaves from the lower part and place them in a glass of water. There, the cuttings usually develop roots within a few weeks.
This method is useful because you can see when the roots appear and the propagation has been successful. Only a few cuttings can be placed in a glass of water for a longer period of time, because the shoot would usually rot. However, the weeping willow tolerates moisture very well and has no problem with waterlogging.
Tip: You can also try rooting the cutting in moist soil. However, the effort is higher here. You have to set up plant pots and get substrate. Furthermore, regular watering should not be missed. Of theThe bottom of the planter must not dry out.
Propagation by cuttings - step by step
1. Cut cutting
2. Remove leaves
3. Place cutting in a glass of water
4. Set up cutting in a bright and warm place
5. Wait for rooting
Propagating the weeping willow with sticks
In addition to propagation by cuttings, propagation by sticks is also possible. In the case of a stick, in contrast to the cuttings, the tips of the shoots are cut off. Sticks are obtained when the tree does not sprout, i.e. between mid-October and early March. If sticks are obtained, there should be no frost. Precipitation should also not fall if possible. So that the interfaces don't burn, there shouldn't be any blazing sunshine either.
Tip: Cut the stick to a length of almost 40 centimeters and remove all leaves from it.
It should be a vigorous annual shoot. Make sure there are multiple leaf nodes to allow the cuttings to root. The weeping willow is robust and hardy. After cutting, the sticks can be placed directly outdoors. The ground should of course be frost-free. After you have put the stick in the ground, the shoot should be well watered. So that the frost does not endanger the young shoots, the ground should be covered with a layer of straw or leaves.
If you live in a region with severe frosts and a rather harsh climate, you should not take any risks and place the cuttings in planters, water them well and overwinter in a cool but frost-free room. However, don't forget to water the sticks regularly.
Propagation with sticks - step by step
1. Cut the sticks
2. Remove the leaves
3. Put the sticks in the ground
4. Wait for the roots to develop
What happens to the young weeping willows?
If the cutting has sufficient roots and has formed several pairs of leaves, you should plant the weeping willow. However, keep in mind that the small cutting will soon become an impressive plant. Choosing the right location should therefore be well thought out.
Warning: Weeping willows grow quickly and should not be transplanted in later years.
Area big enough for a weeping willow?
There are a few things to think about before planting. Is your property large enough for the tree to grow to its natural size?to let? A total height of 20 meters can be assumed. The sprawling crown can grow up to 15 meters in circumference. The weeping willow can be up to 100 years old and will also delight your children and grandchildren.
In smaller gardens, you don't necessarily have to do without the weeping willow. The young trees initially grow about one meter per year. Regular pruning can put the growth of the weeping willow in its place. Even keeping it in a bucket is possible if you don't have a large garden.
Suitable location for the weeping willow
If possible, choose a sunny location for the young plants. Plants feel particularly at home in a garden pond. Provide a loose and nutrient-rich substrate. The young plants have a particularly high need for nutrients and liquid. Therefore, pour generously. Waterlogging is no problem for the moisture-loving plants. Commercial fertilizers are less well tolerated when nutrients are given. Instead, add compost to the substrate during planting and then fertilize with compost every year in spring.
Protect young weeping willow
It is advisable to attach a support so that the young trees do not become victims of the wind. Drive three stakes into the ground around the plant and connect these individual stakes with crossbars. Then the young tree gains stability and can grow he althy and strong. After about two years, the support can be removed. A vigorous plant several meters tall will have developed from the cutting.