The weeping willow is an impressive tree that is quite easy to care for. There should only be enough space in the garden and a few tips should be observed.
If you look at the imposing weeping willow, not only the hearts of romantics beat faster. The plants catch the eye because of their bizarre shape. The branches under the shady canopy bend almost to the ground. Weeping willows can grow up to 20 meters high and turn larger gardens and parks into true idylls, especially if a body of water is brought into play. You can read here how to properly care for the weeping willow and how to grow it into a he althy and strong tree.
Watering the weeping willow correctly
The weeping willow loves it wet. The soil should not dry out completely - the tree must therefore receive regular watering. You don't have to be careful with this. The weeping willow is one of the few plants that can tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, it can be washed in extensively without hesitation. Young trees in particular need a lot of water. The trees can usually supply themselves with sufficient liquid via the extensive root network. However, if you notice leaf discoloration or if the weeping willow loses its leaves in the middle of summer, the willow plant signals additional water needs. You can save yourself lugging around the watering can. Instead, keep watering with the garden hose.
➔ Tip: Feel free to water the weeping willow with a garden hose for an hour to give the roots enough moisture.
Fertilize the weeping willow correctly
Fertilizing with a commercially available complete fertilizer cannot be recommended. In most cases, the trees do not tolerate this type of nutrient supply very well. Instead, it is advisable to add compost or horn shavings when planting. Sufficient compost can be spread around the tree every spring. You can also take advantage of the high volume of leaves in autumn. The leaves do not have to be disposed of at great expense, but are distributed around the tree. This enriches the soil with minerals.
What speciesof willows is there?
Anyone who has acquired a taste for it and perhaps already owns a weeping willow will want to learn more about the trees. In addition to the real weeping willow, a distinction is made between the silver willow and the broken willow. Several hybrids are also similar in growth to the real weeping willow. The mourning form of the silver willow is often offered commercially. The plant has golden-yellow shoots and can also reach a height of up to 20 meters. There are numerous weeping willow species on the market. Their exact origin can often not be adequately documented. For example, it is believed that Thurlow's willow, native to North America, is a hybrid of laurel willow. But it could also be a variety of the crack willow.
Other interesting willow species
- Blueberry Willow
The blueberry willow is very suitable for small gardens and grows to a maximum height of one meter. The dwarf shrub is not only decorative, but also very hardy. The willows come from Europe and Asia. The yellow-red catkins appear from April to June.
- Willow
The herb willow is a dwarf shrub with a maximum height of ten centimetres. The very hardy herb willow can be planted in the rock garden as a supplement to the impressive weeping willow. The plants, which originate from North America and Europe, impress with reddish catkins on brown-red branches between June and August.
- Lavender Willow
The lavender willow can reach heights of growth of up to 20 meters and thus compete with the weeping willow. If you own a larger pond property, you can place the lavender willow at the edge of the pond as a supplement to the weeping willow and thus create a picturesque overall picture. Native to Europe and north-west Africa, the plants bloom between April and May. The delicate green catkins appearing on the silver-grey branches provide a pretty contrast.
- Basket Willow
With a growth height of between three and eight meters, the basket willow is also well suited for smaller gardens. Wicker willow is used to make wicker baskets. The hardy shrub is ideal for planting on slopes. The plants come from Europe and Asia and bloom as early as March. The light green catkins appearing on the yellowish twigs make for a lively picture in the spring garden.
Pruning the weeping willow correctly
The weeping willow is vigorous and grows about a meter in the first few yearsyearly. If you can provide the necessary space, feel free to let your weeping willow grow luxuriantly. But mostly the hobby gardener will have to put a stop to the joy of growth and keep the willow plants at an appropriate size by regular pruning.
Pruning should be done in early spring. It must not rain that day and it must not be too sunny either. A dry day with a cloudy sky seems ideal.
Always cut from the outside inwards. Start with the lowest shoots. Sick and dry branches must be completely removed. If you want to cut your weeping willow into shape, all branches are shortened by about 2/3.
➔ Tip: Always place the scissors over a sleeping eye, then the plant will sprout faster and evenly.
The weeping willow tolerates pruning very well. If you want to enjoy the kittens until the tree is pruned, you can wait until the tree has withered. If a radical cut is necessary, this is also not a problem for the trees. If you cut the tree back completely in autumn, it will willingly sprout again next spring.
➔ Tip: Cuts can be smoothed out with a chainsaw. Tree wax does not have to be used then.
Wintering the Weeping Willow
Weeping willows are robust plants that have proven to be absolutely hardy and tolerate frosty temperatures of -30 degrees and more. A special winter protection will not be necessary.
Young plants appear less robust and it makes sense to provide them with appropriate protection. To do this, cover the tree grate with a thick layer of compost, brushwood or leaves.
Potted plants also need additional protection, as the soil in the planter freezes quickly and the roots can no longer supply the plant with nutrients. So that the bucket does not freeze through, it is placed on a base made of wood or styrofoam. Choose a sheltered location for wintering outdoors, for example in the shade of a house wall. Wrap the planter in garden fleece or put a burlap sack over the plant.
➔ Tip: Even in winter, weeping willows occasionally need a little water on frost-free days so that the soil does not dry out completely. For potted plants, add some fertilizer every month.