Weeping willows make an attractive addition to the garden, but they also require a lot of space that needs to be planned for when planting. What many people don't know: weeping willows can also be kept in pots.
The weeping willow (Salix alba Tristis) is a majestic sight. With its long branches reaching down to the ground, the weeping willow is a symbol of romance. Numerous artists were inspired by the plants and made them the focus of their works.
The bizarre willow plants also make the hearts of garden owners beat faster. If you have the necessary spatial capacities, the weeping willow will quickly become an eye-catcher in your garden. Here you can find out what needs to be considered when planting willow plants.
Plant Description
The weeping willow is characterized by its spreading branches, which almost bend down to the ground. The trees can reach heights of up to 20 meters and be more than ten meters wide. The medium-green leaves are lanceolate in shape and grow up to ten centimeters long. Like all willows, the weeping willow is considered to be dioecious, with separate sexes. However, some weeping willows also bear female flowers in the male catkins. The kittens reach a length of up to five centimeters. The weeping willow is in bloom between April and May.
Distribution
The trees originally came from East Asia. Therefore, the weeping willow is also called Chinese weeping willow or Babylonian weeping willow. The natural range extends from China through Japan to Turkestan. Today, weeping willows are found worldwide. The trees are usually found at the edges of water and other damp locations.
Optimal planting conditions for the weeping willow
Location:
Before planting a weeping willow, you should consider the size of the plant. Not only the visible height and width have to be considered, the roots also need a lot of space. The weeping willow is a flat-rooted plant that develops a densely branched root system.
Warning: Weeping willows should be planted with care,because older trees can no longer be transplanted.
You should therefore own a suitably large plot of land. A distance of 20 meters from buildings should be maintained. Likewise, the weeping willow should not be planted near roadsides. The roots run just below the surface and develop enormous power. Paving slabs can certainly be raised by this.
A unique position is necessary for the weeping willow. The imposing plant will not leave any room for other plants to grow. Choose a location that is as sunny as possible. Weeping willows are preferred at the edges of the pond. There they not only look particularly impressive and expressive, but also find ideal growth conditions. They also provide the pond with attractive sun protection. Weeping willows grow quickly and are therefore not suitable for underplanting, as they form a dense shade roof. With its strong roots, the weeping willow supplies itself with water and nutrients and thus deprives the plants in the immediate vicinity of their livelihood.
Coming soon:
- sunny
- breezy
- detached
- moist
Substrate:
The plants prefer a moist subsoil. Waterlogging becomes a problem for most plants. If the water accumulates in the ground, the roots are attacked and the plant can die. The weeping willow, on the other hand, has no problem with waterlogging. A loose and fresh soil with a high concentration of nutrients forms the ideal basis for the willow plants.
Coming soon:
- moist
- loose
- nutrient rich
- acidic to alkaline
Planting Instructions:
❶ find a suitable location
❷ prepare the soil
❸ water the plant
❹ dig the planting hole
❺ enrich the soil
❻ insert the plant
❼ Apply layers of soil and press down
❽ Support the plant
❾ Water the plant
❿ Mulch the plant
Once the right location has been found, you can start preparing the ground. The substrate must be loosened and freed from stones, roots and weeds. In the meantime, the weeping willow is placed in a bucket of water so that the roots can soak up the water. The planting hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball. With other plants, it is usually recommended at this point to introduce drainage into the soil to protect against waterlogging. This can safely be omitted with the weeping willow. The root ball can immediatelyplaced in the middle of the dug planting hole.
As you proceed, you should get a helping hand. While another person holds the tree upright, tread down the earth in layers. So that the young tree does not suffer from wind damage, it is advisable to support the plant. To do this, insert three support posts into the ground and fix the posts with a taut rope. A connection with crossbars provides additional stability.
» Tip: It is advisable to leave the protection on the plant for the first two years.
After planting, water the moisture-loving plant generously. Then the soil is mulched. This ensures that moisture is better retained in the soil and continues to provide reliable winter protection.
When is the ideal planting time?
This depends on the form in which you purchase the weeping willow. With container goods you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket, but you get strong plants that can be planted in the ground all year round. For bare-root trees, planting should be limited to October and November.
How fast do weeping willows grow?
Weeping willows have a life expectancy comparable to that of humans. During the first twenty years, the trees grow up to one meter in height each year. Older trees only grow about half as much each year.
Is it possible to keep buckets?
At first glance, this question may seem almost paradoxical, because we have already spoken of growth heights of up to 20 meters and a width of ten meters and more. Nevertheless, the weeping willow can also be cultivated in a bucket and is also an option for smaller gardens. However, some things should be noted. The bucket should offer appropriate dimensions. Since it is a flat root, the planter should be correspondingly wide. The height is initially of secondary importance. Place the plants in nutrient-rich soil and water the young plants regularly. Regular fertilization is also necessary. The weeping willows must be pruned regularly so that the bucket system really works. Perform a radical pruning annually in spring. This is the only way to keep growth in check.
Is the weeping willow poisonous?
There is a rumor among many hobby gardeners that willows contain toxins. The willow bark does contain small amounts of acetylsalicylic acid. But this does not represent anyDanger to humans or pets.