Willow– a truly versatile tree for the garden.
Firstly, of the more than three hundred species of willow, there are those that prefer moist soil and those that grow successfully among rocks. So whatever your garden is, you can plant a willow tree in it.
Secondly, among willows there are tall, short and even creeping (dwarf) species. Therefore, this tree can decorate any corner of your garden. It will fit well into a mixborder or can decorate the shore of your pond. Or maybe you need a living screen or a tree for a rock garden? Willow can do that too.
You can also decorate your garden with cut branches and shoots of willow. They make wonderful supports for other plants, fences, fences, and baskets.
 White willow(willow) and basket willow- trees that are familiar to everyone. They are able to grow in waterlogged areas, but due to their tallness they are only suitable for large gardens. |  It has an interesting structure of branches - they twist inside the crown, giving the tree a decorative appearance. |
Types of willow
(Salix rosmarinifolia) is a bush about 2 meters high with red-brown shoots that feels good in both dry and wet soil. In autumn, the foliage of this willow turns bright yellow. This species is suitable for decorating the borders of a garden plot - rosemary willow forms a rather dense, but at the same time very decorative living screen.
Or shaggy (Salix lanata) - a compact tree a meter high and wide. Ideal for planting near the terrace, near the porch, in borders. It tolerates drought and frost well, but stagnation of water at the roots can destroy this tree. This and other types of low-growing willows are often grown in tubs and flower beds. Sometimes willow is grown on a trunk specifically for these purposes.
Or twig (Salix viminalis) - a tree for a large garden, grows up to 8 meters in height. Prefers moist soils and can grow in completely marshy areas. Basket willow has very beautiful silvery leaves.
(Salix caprea) – 5-10 meters high. Male specimens of this willow are distinguished by beautiful “bunny” earrings that appear in the spring. Undemanding to soil, but does not tolerate waterlogging.
(Salix reticulata) is a dwarf species of willow, its height does not exceed 30 cm. This creeping species will decorate small gardens. Any soil will do. A light-loving plant, however, like all willows. Reticulated willow is well suited for use in rock gardens, rockeries and as a ground cover plant.
Iwa matsudana(Salix matsudana) will appeal to those who love unusual plants. The shoots of this willow are bizarrely curved, this is caused by the fact that as it grows, the thickening of the branches and trunks of this willow occurs unevenly. Even its leaves curl into incomplete spirals. This exotic species comes from China. Tall tree - up to 8 meters. However, Matsuda willow may not withstand severe frosts; it is recommended only for southern regions.
(Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’) also has unusual twisting shoots, but unlike the previous species it is winter-hardy. The branches of this willow flatten upward, become ribbon-like and therefore bend in different directions. The branches of this tree are popular with florists. Like many willows, it has excellent regeneration abilities - branches placed in water quickly produce roots. Due to the bizarre shape of the crown, in Germany the Sakhalin willow is called the “Dragon Tree”. This willow does not like high temperatures; it prefers moist soil. Grows up to 4 meters in height.
(Salix integra) ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ is a Japanese variety, characterized by a spherical crown shape and original pinkish color of the leaves, height up to 2.5 meters. Prefers moist soils.
Photos of willow species
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Decorating the garden with willow
 From flexible branches of basket willow you can weave not only baskets, but even a whole fence with gate. |
 It is very easy and pleasant to decorate a garden with willow - from its cut branches you can make a support for plants or something like this flower garden fencing. Willow's ability to regenerate is amazing - cut twigs easily take root and produce foliage. |
 Which stand in a basket waiting for something to be woven from them, themselves represent a kind of decorative composition. |
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Make such a living pyramid in your garden.
In November-March, while the willow is dormant, cut 11 twigs 2 meters long.
Stick eight rods into the ground (this should be done in spring or autumn, when the soil is not frozen) around some climbing plant. Then gather the tops of the rods stuck into the ground into a bundle and tie with twine.
Weave the remaining three rods at different heights in a circle between the vertical eight rods.
In the spring, the twigs will take root and send out fresh shoots. Make sure that the soil under them does not dry out at first.
The willow tree has about 550 species. The average lifespan of wood is 110 years. Other names for this tree: willow, broom, vine, willow and others.
Family: Willow
Class: Dicotyledons
Order: Malpighiaceae
Department: Flowers
Kingdom: Plants
Domain: Eukaryotes
Willow description:
Willow is most often found up to 15 meters in size. But the species number of this tree is very huge, and on our planet you can find willow trees up to 40 meters in height and 2.5 cm in size. Willows include both trees and shrubs. The crown of the tree is wide and large. The stem is branched, the branches are thin and flexible. The leaves are long and narrow in shape, but there are also species with wide leaves. On the outside the leaf has a more saturated green color, and on the other side the leaf is lighter. In some species the leaf edge is smooth, in others it is jagged. When the leaves bloom, there are stipules that can be used to determine the type of willow.
When does willow bloom?
Different types of willows bloom at different times. Some species bloom even before the first leaves appear in early spring, some species bloom with the appearance of leaves or already in early summer when the leaves are fully formed.
The flowers of the tree are very small and would be difficult to detect if they were not collected in inflorescences called catkins. In willows that bloom before the leaves appear, the catkins are very noticeable. All willow catkins are unisexual, that is, they contain only female flowers or only male ones. It is not difficult to distinguish them. Male flowers contain two stamens, and female flowers have one pistil; both types of flowers have nectaries.
Where does willow grow?
The willow tree is most common in the northern hemisphere of the planet. At the same time, the willow reaches the northernmost regions. In the northern regions you can find willow no larger than moss. Loves moisture very much. Most often found in humid areas. Less common in dry areas. Due to their large and extensive root system, willows are often planted along banks to strengthen the soil.
Willow fruit
The fruit of the willow is a capsule. The willow seed itself is very small, light, covered with white fluff. Its lightness allows it to fly quite long distances. The seed itself remains viable for only a few days. But if it gets into water, it can remain viable for up to several years.
Willow propagation
Willow produces adventitious roots. Thanks to this, this tree reproduces well by cuttings and stakes. In most species, seeds can lose their viability within a few days.
In nature, willow trees reproduce using seeds, and cultivated species of willows are propagated by cuttings and layering. A willow branch planted in the ground quickly takes root.
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Willow is one of those plants that most of us are familiar with. Many people know it under such names as willow, willow, vine, and willow.
Most often it can be found in the middle part of our country. Favorite habitats are damp areas. There are certain species that thrive in swamps. Sometimes this shrub can be found even in forests, where it acts as a mixture with other trees.
Description of the plant: what willow looks like
Willow includes a large number of shrubs that may have different external characteristics. This family is represented by about 300 species, most of which are cultivated purposefully. Among the characteristics of the plant it is worth highlighting transparent, see-through crown, as well as shoots that are quite thin and flexible.
When it blooms, small inflorescences form on the willow. Many species of this shrub can grow up to 10-15 m, while there are more impressive specimens whose height can be 30-40 m. Dwarf subspecies are also distinguished.
Application
Willow looks great in solitary and group plantings. Dwarf species of this shrub are often used to decorate rockeries and rock gardens. Most varieties withstand pruning well and are often used for making hedges.
Most often, willows are found near bodies of water, where they look especially impressive thanks to the silver-green hue of the leaves, successfully complementing the surface of the water. The big advantage of these plants is their powerful root system, which allows them to be used to strengthen slopes and prevent soil erosion.
Medicinal properties
Willow bark is highly valued in medicine, because from this raw material preparing medications for the treatment of specific diseases such as:
- arterial hypotension;
- tachycardia;
- neuroses.
In addition, they have antipyretic properties, can alleviate the patient’s condition with rheumatism and relieve diarrhea.
As an external remedy, preparations based on willow bark are used to treat inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, as well as increased sweating. For the treatment of eczema, baths made from a decoction of willow bark and birch buds are effective.
- feverish conditions;
- cold;
- rheumatism;
- chronic diarrhea;
- pain in the stomach and intestines;
- diseases of the spleen, gout;
- has a hemostatic, choleretic and diuretic effect.
Decoctions are an effective remedy for the treatment of:
- tonsillitis;
- diseases of the oral cavity;
- whiter;
- varicose veins;
- muscle fatigue.
Varieties
White willow
This representative of the family has no equal in height, which is 10-12 m, as well as unpretentiousness. The name of this species is associated with silver leaf color. Looks great in combination with large trees with dark green foliage - horse chestnut, elm or linden. It is also appropriate to plant this plant in the background; as a result, the decorative foliage of this shrub can focus attention on the beauty of red-leaved maple, barberry or dark mountain pine needles.
White willow, weeping form
Reaching a height of 5-7 m, this shrub is distinguished by its decorative crown, which cascades down. It is also distinguished by long branches that reach almost the very surface of the earth. Can grow in almost any soil, resistant to negative temperatures, responsive to moisture. It can grow even in a shaded area, but a lack of sunlight negatively affects the density and decorativeness of the crown.
Weeping willow looks impressive not only as a separately planted shrub, but also as part of a group of trees, especially if they are planted along the banks of reservoirs. It can form an excellent composition together with other decorative deciduous shrubs and low conifers - juniper, cypress,.
Brittle willow, spherical shape
The shrubby willow owes its attractiveness to its crown, which has a regular spherical or dome-shaped shape. During the growth process, broom forms a large number of trunks, which in some specimens can grow up to 7 m. Being a cold-resistant plant, it is excellent withstands even harsh winters. Rakita looks good not only as a separately planted plant, but also as part of group plantings. This tree can be used as a background for other ornamental plants. The shore of a reservoir, which is decorated with a small curtain or a string of similar plants, looks especially beautiful. Also, the broom tree is often used as a hedge.
Goat willow, weeping form
The decorative character of this shrub is given by weeping shoots, which are formed in the form of a tent at the top of a small trunk, reaching an average height of 1.5 m. In recent years, interest in it has begun to increase, which has been greatly facilitated by the availability of foreign planting material. If this ornamental willow is planted in a sunny place, it can form a narrow, spherical crown with shoots running vertically downwards, which in some cases can reach the ground.
In the spring, when the tree begins to bloom, on the shoots fluffy flowers open, as a result, the willow begins to resemble large dandelions. This plant usually does not exhibit vertical growth; the height of the trunk exceeds no more than 30-40 cm. It is usually used in group plantings. However, this shrub takes on a spectacular appearance when combined with plants that have a distinct foliage color, or when planted near bends in garden paths.
Caring for this species is similar to any standard-grafted plant. A mandatory activity for her is to trim the wild growth that regularly appears on the post under the grafting site. If this is not done, then the grafted part may subsequently die. Considering that this variety of willow is not cold-resistant, it is recommended to choose places for its planting that have good lighting and are protected from the wind.
When growing in the northern Moscow region, a grafted part of the seedling is recommended prepare for wintering. To do this, it is wrapped in several layers of non-woven material, for example, spunbond. When growing standard plants, care must be taken to maintain their verticality: to do this, three stakes are driven into the ground nearby and the plant is tied to it.
Willow
It is found in many regions of our country, except the far north and south. It is a large tree with a large number of branches, having a height of no more than 8 m. It forms a wide crown formed by long twig-like shoots, which are fluffy in the first years of growth, and subsequently become bare. The shoots are decorated with linear-lanceolate leaves with rolled edges. They have a length of no more than 10 cm, and are painted dark green on top. The lower part has a silvery color due to the presence of silky hairs.
This variety of willow has another name, which is associated with its similarity to hemp leaves. When it starts to bloom, small earrings are formed up to 6 cm long, cylindrical in shape. At this stage of the life cycle, the bush becomes very fluffy, remaining this way for 6-13 days.
During the season it rapidly gains green mass, but the life cycle does not exceed 30 years, after which it dies off. Being very resistant to negative temperatures, this type of willow can withstand transplanting, pruning and thrives in city conditions. It can grow even on infertile soils. Thanks to cuttings, it can form quite large thickets.
Conclusion
Today, willow is considered one of the most famous wild trees, with which almost all of us are familiar. It is very easy to recognize this shrub due to the presence of long branched shoots. Many owners of summer cottages often use it for decorative purposes, since due to its unpretentiousness it can grow almost anywhere. Therefore, to find a seedling, it is not necessary to know where the willow grows. Its flexible and durable shoots tolerate pruning well, so it can be used as a hedge. At the same time, it can be used as a background for decorating other ornamental shrubs.
Botanical name: Weeping willow, Babylonian (Salix), genus of the Willow family.
Homeland of the weeping willow: Iran, Western China.
Lighting: photophilous.
The soil: light and medium loams.
Watering: moderate.
Maximum tree height: 25m.
Average lifespan of a tree: 100 years.
Landing: seeds, cuttings and layering.
Description of the weeping white willow tree and photo
Weeping willow - with a transparent, see-through crown up to 25 m high. The trunk is powerful, the bark is gray. The crown is narrow, columnar, later spreading, wide, round.
The branches are thin, flexible, with matte, purple and light green bark, directed upward, side shoots hanging down. The leaves are petiolate, arranged alternately. The leaf blade is wide, elliptical, in some species it is narrow and long.
The color of the leaves is dark green, the lower part is light green and bluish. The buds can be dark brown and red-yellow. The flowers are dioecious, small, inconspicuous, collected in earrings. Willow blooms in early spring, before the leaves bloom.
The fruit is a capsule. The seed is small, with white fluff, light, and transported by winds over long distances. Willow tree. Photo
The weeping willow tree is common in the Northern Hemisphere, the tropics, and North America. Dwarf willows grow in the mountains. Willow species such as willow, willow, shelyuga, willow and others are found in the European part of Russia. Shrub species grow in Siberia and Central Asia.
Reproduction of weeping willow
Under natural conditions, the plant reproduces by seeds. Light seeds are carried by wind over long distances. Germination of willow seeds in air lasts for several days. In water, germination can persist for up to several years. A young willow sprout develops and grows very quickly, but can be drowned out by grass and other plants.
Growing willow
At home, willow is propagated by cuttings. Lignified cuttings, cut before buds open, quickly take root. Before roots form, they can be placed in water, and then planted in the ground. Due to the fact that willow is not whimsical and takes root in the shortest possible time, its cuttings are stuck into the ground of the greenhouse, so that 2-3 buds remain on the soil surface.
Willow is also propagated by green cuttings. To do this, make an oblique cut at the bottom, remove the apical soil and shorten the leaf blades. Then the cuttings are placed in a greenhouse or under a jar.
When planting willow shrubs, dig small holes 50x50 cm for each seedling. The depression is filled with a soil mixture consisting of soil, compost, peat and manure. Are being added. The plant is not picky about soil, but prefers light to medium loams. It is best to grow willow in a well-lit, sunny place. These trees do not grow in the shade. Special care for willow is required in the first weeks of planting.
Young seedlings need constant watering and fertilizing. During periods of drought, they are watered once a week (20-50 liters of water per plant). In spring, the soil is loosened and mulched. Dry branches are trimmed and a crown is formed. Long shoots on the lower part of the trunk are removed.
Pests and diseases of white weeping willow
The willow tree is rarely affected by diseases, but is sometimes damaged by fungal diseases, which are provoked by frequent rains and excessive watering. With the onset of sunny weather, fungal diseases disappear. However, if dark gray spots appear on the willow leaves, it is necessary to treat the tree with copper-containing preparations. If the leaves are damaged, insecticides are sprayed.
Use of white willow and its bark
White willow bark, rich in tannins, glucose, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and resins, has been widely used in folk medicine. Willow bark has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect. An infusion of white willow bark is used for colitis, gout, female diseases, gastritis, internal bleeding, liver diseases, spleen diseases and other diseases. A decoction of the leaves of the tree is used for severe bleeding in the intestines and for colds. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are not recommended to use medications containing this plant.
The abundantly branched roots of willow serve to strengthen loose soils and sands. Willow plantations can often be found around mountain streams. Trees are used to secure river banks, canals, slopes, dams, slopes and cliffs.
Thick willow twigs are used to make sheds for sheep and pens for livestock. The bark of the trunk and branches is used as a natural dye, which is used to dye wool, leather and silk red, brown and yellow.
The wood, which is quite soft and pliable, quickly rots and is used for making crafts. The branches are used to feed livestock, especially goats and sheep. Willow bark is used for tanning leather. On Orthodox Palm Sunday, according to a long-standing tradition, branches of a young tree are used instead of palm leaves.
Willow bark juice is included in some cosmetic preparations that smooth out fine wrinkles, relieve redness, and cleanse the skin.
Previously, willow twigs and the bark of this tree were used to make wickerware, furniture, baskets and other products.
White willow is often used in landscape design. Planted in parks and forested areas. The rapid growth of the tree allows it to be used for lining roads and for rapid landscaping.
White willow bark is used for tanning leather. The shoots serve as feed for livestock. In addition, willow is considered a valuable honey plant. Bees take nectar, pollen and bee glue from the tree. When white willow honey crystallizes, it becomes fine-grained, creamy in color, and has a pleasant taste and fragrant aroma.
Weeping decorative white willow
One of the forms of willow - white willow - is a deciduous tree, 20-30 m high with a wide-rounded, weeping crown. The trunk is powerful, reaching up to 3 m in diameter. The bark is dark gray, longitudinally fissured in old trees. Young shoots are olive-green or red-brown. The lower branches bend to the ground. The buds are reddish-yellow, flattened, sharp, 6 mm long, 1.5 mm wide. The leaves are narrow, alternate, with a pointed tip, 5-15 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, dark green, yellow in autumn, bronze. They stay on the branches for a long time. Flowers are thick, cylindrical earrings, 3-5 cm long. Fruits are capsules, 4-6 mm long. White willow blooms in April-May, at the same time as the leaves bloom.
Decorative white willow in the photo (click on the picture to enlarge):
Photo gallery
Growing conditions
White willow is widespread in Europe, Western Siberia, Asia Minor and Iran. In central Russia, cultivated forms of trees are planted, which gradually become wild in the area where they are planted.
White willow grows along the banks of rivers, ponds and other bodies of water. Found along roads and near houses. Lives up to 100 years. Propagated by seeds. Cultural forms are propagated by cuttings. The plant is light-loving and frost-resistant. Photos of white willow can be seen in the gallery below.
White willow: weeping form
A small tree 5-7 m high. It has a beautiful crown that flows down and long branches stretching all the way to the ground. It is not demanding on soils, is frost-resistant, and moisture-loving. It is shade-tolerant, but in the shade the crown becomes not as dense as when planted in a well-lit place.
Weeping white willow is used in group and single plantings. Combines with ornamental shrubs, deciduous and coniferous trees: thuja, juniper, cypress and others.
Weeping decorative willow
The beautiful crown, shape and color of the leaves make it possible to classify this tree as an ornamental plant used to decorate garden plots, alleys, parks and public gardens. Some types of willows attract attention with their originality and quirkiness.
For example, the Matsudana willow has unusual, twisted branches and seemingly crumpled leaves. Some ornamental willows are small in size, these include woolly, reticulated, blunt-leaved, whole-leaved and purple willows.
Dwarf trees reach a height of no more than 20 cm. Low-growing willows are usually planted in flower beds, next to flowers, and such compositions look very impressive.
Decorative forms of weeping willow look good both in group and single plantings. Some species can be grown in a small garden. The willow crown is easily formed into a ball.
History of the tree. The magical properties of willow
This beautiful, flexible, graceful tree has been valued since ancient times. In Ancient Greece, the willow was a symbol of the goddesses Hecate and Hera. Roman poets praised this tree in their works. In Ancient Egypt, it was considered a symbol of the power and wisdom of the deceased, so its branches were burned on funeral pyres. In ancient Rome, willow twigs were first used.
In the Middle Ages, decoctions and infusions of willow bark, leaves and seeds were used to heal wounds and stop bleeding.
The weeping willow tree has long been considered feminine and was dedicated to the lunar goddesses, the moon and fertility. They also endowed it with magical properties. Slavic pagans used twigs of this tree to decorate altars before performing rituals. Wreaths woven from willow twigs were famous love spells. A decoction of willow leaves was mixed into a lover’s drink; such a drink also served as a love spell. This tree was used to make amulets for good luck in love affairs. This type of jewelry was worn by unhappy lovers. The Slavs called willow, willow and willow. These names are still used today.
Today, willow is considered a calming and relaxing tree. Contact with it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, puts thoughts in order, eliminates headaches and improves mood.
Folk signs and superstitions are associated with this tree. It is believed that if you knock on a willow trunk, it will bring good luck. If you put its leaves under your pillow, you will have a good dream.
By its nature, willow is quite sensitive, so when contacting it, you need to be extremely sincere; willow especially does not like liars, so it can have a negative impact on the health or fate of an insincere person.
Why is the willow called weeping?
There are three versions of this name: scientific, folklore and poetic.
According to the scientific version, willow is a tree that tends to secrete small drops of water. This happens because the roots of the plant absorb a lot of moisture, much more than what the leaves evaporate. In addition, the weeping willow has a unique shape. Its long, curved branches stretch down to the ground, hence the “weeping” feeling of the tree. Weeping willow grows near ponds, with its roots immersed in the water.
The poetic version is based on the observations of poets who tend to notice and admire every detail of nature. Early in the morning, sparkling drops of dew can be seen on the thin leaves of the willow, which begin to fall off with a light breeze. This picture gives the impression that the tree is shedding tears or crying.
The folklore version was created on the basis of folk beliefs and legends. According to one legend, illuminated willow branches were placed in the house to protect against evil spirits; the smallest of them were burned, which is why the tree cried.
Another belief said that if the weather was bad outside for a long time, you should throw a willow branch into the yard, then the rain would stop. This also brought tears to the sensitive tree.
On Ivan Kupala they made madder from willow and decorated it with wreaths and ribbons. The girls swam to the middle of the river and left the madder there, but it could not swim to the shore and take root, so it cried.
There are many other interesting ancient legends associated with this plant.
In oral folk art you can find many signs, proverbs and sayings about willow. After all, once upon a time the life of the people was closely connected with this tree. Willow was used in the household, in everyday life and in folk medicine. She was worshiped and deified, endowed with unique properties.
“The willow was covered with frost early - for a long winter.”
“Where there is water there is a willow, where there is a willow there is water.”
In folk art, willow is most often found as a symbol of sadness and at the same time beauty. Tall, beautiful spreading trees are found along roads, on the banks of rivers and reservoirs. The long branches of the willow descend all the way to the ground; moreover, when there is excess moisture in the soil, they are able to release droplets of water, which is why the willow is called weeping.
Thanks to the work of breeders, there are currently many hybrid varieties of willows that are widely used in ornamental horticulture.
Willow description
The willow genus includes almost 600 plant species. Moreover, these can be both trees and shrubs. Most of them grow in the cool part of the northern hemisphere, in Eurasia and North America. The closer to cold regions, the smaller the size of plants that have mastered the climate. The smallest representatives of the species are found in the northern regions, and they are so small that their height does not exceed the height of moss.
In most species, the shoots are flexible, thin, the leaves are narrow, long, pointed both on the outer edge and at the petiole. Willow blooms in spring, before the first leaves appear; small flowers are collected in earrings. Some species bloom after the leaves bloom. After flowering ends, a fruit is formed in the form of a capsule with seeds. Small, light seeds are carried by the wind over vast distances. In the open air they remain viable for a short time, but if they get into water they can wait for favorable conditions for several years.
The most common and frequently found representative of the genus in the middle zone is the weeping white willow. An adult tree reaches up to 25-30 m in height and lives for about 100 years. The willow trunk is powerful, the bark is gray, and the lower part of the tree is covered with cracks. The crown of white willow is wide, spreading, see-through. The leaves are dark green, smooth, shiny, light on the underside, covered with whitish down. In calm weather the tree is green, but in a light breeze the leaves move, turning with their undersides, and the foliage of the tree appears white.
Willow planting
All willows are unpretentious plants that are found almost everywhere in nature. Different varieties of willows have taken root in different regions, so the planting location and type of plant are chosen based on the characteristics of the area.
Landing location
Light to medium loamy soils are best suited for planting. Choose a place that is well-lit, sunny or lightly shaded. Willows do not grow in full shade. Even in natural conditions, willows are not found in the depths of the forest, although they feel great at the edge of the forest. To plant willow, you can use an area with close groundwater.
Boarding time
Willow with a closed root system is planted at any time of the year, from early spring to late autumn, provided that the seedling is planted together with a lump of earth from the planting container. The optimal time for planting seedlings with an open root system is early spring, before buds open, or autumn, after the end of sap flow.
It should be borne in mind that varieties with low frost resistance will not have time to take root properly when planted in autumn, so when planting in autumn, the ground under the seedlings is mulched with dry leaves of trees and shrubs, and the seedlings themselves are covered with spruce branches.
Landing
- Digging a planting hole. For shrubby forms, the size of the hole is 50 cm in diameter, for woody forms - 60 cm, 40 cm deep. For a willow seedling with a closed root system, a hole is dug according to the size of an earthen clod.
- When planting on heavy clays, drainage is necessary; for this, 20-30 cm of sand or crushed stone is poured into the bottom of the planting hole.
- Prepare a nutritious soil mixture from soil, compost and peat, mixed in equal parts. Add azofoska to it at the rate of 200 g per plant and stir thoroughly.
- Fill the planting hole one third with prepared soil and place the seedling in it.
- The seedling is filled in, the soil is compacted so that a pit is formed around the seedling to facilitate watering.
- 2 buckets of water are poured under each seedling.
- If the seedling is tall, at first you can install a support stake to fix the vertical position of the tree.
Willow care
In order for willows to develop quickly and look attractive, you should know the individual needs of these plants and the features of caring for them. Growing willow requires the most attention during the first time after planting.
Watering
Weeping willow is a moisture-loving plant, so it needs frequent watering and spraying. Young plants grow very quickly, especially in the first years of life; some varieties are capable of growing up to 3 meters per year. Seedlings are watered once a week, at the rate of 2-5 buckets of water per plant. Watering is done early in the morning or in the evening, after sunset. When watering, water is poured not only under the root, but also onto the crown of the plant.
Fertilizer
At the beginning of the growing season, the soil under the willow is loosened and mulched with peat. The plant is fed with complex fertilizers. In total, 2-3 such feedings are carried out per season, the last feeding is carried out in July. In the second half of August, superphosphate and potassium sulfate are applied under the willows.
Do not leave fallen willow leaves under the tree, as they contain tannins that will adversely affect the development of the plant.
Trimming
For the first 2-3 years, the willow grows uncontrollably and does not need to be pruned. Then the tree or shrub rises and it becomes necessary to shape it. The best time for formative pruning of willow is spring, after flowering has ended. The exception is dry branches frozen over the winter or broken, which are cut off in early spring.
Don’t be afraid to cut willow branches; it won’t cause any harm to the plant. Branches of decorative species are pruned by 10-20 cm, then lateral shoots are formed from the remaining upper buds, and the plant acquires an attractive dense crown. Mature trees are pruned annually by cutting off their long branches hanging to the ground at a height of 2 m from the ground.
By pruning, one achieves both a spherical or umbrella-shaped appearance of shrubs and trees, and a regular rectangular shape when planting willows as a hedge.
Willow propagation
Wild willows reproduce by seeds; in cultivation, the plant is most often propagated by cuttings or layering. A plant grown from a cutting retains all the varietal characteristics of the parent species.
Reproduction by cuttings
- Cuttings are cut in the spring, before the leaves appear. Lignified parts of shoots that are one to two years old are better suited for rooting. The lower cut is made obliquely, the top of the head is cut off. Cuttings of tall species are cut into lengths of 30-40 cm; for shrub forms, cuttings of 15-20 cm are sufficient.
- Before planting, willow cuttings are dipped in root solution for 18-24 hours.
- The finished planting material is stuck into the ground so that 2-3 buds remain above the soil level. The cutting can be positioned either vertically or at an angle to the ground. When planting at an angle, the lower part is placed in the direction of the south or southeast.
- Water the soil daily 1-2 times a day so that the soil is constantly wet.
- The soil around young seedlings is regularly weeded to remove weeds, since at an early stage of development the weak plant is clogged by tall weeds.
Cuttings can also be germinated at home; to do this, they are placed in a jar of water and wait for the first roots to appear, after which they are planted in the ground.
Green cuttings that are cut during the growing season of the plant also root successfully. To do this, remove the apical bud and lower leaves from a cutting 15-20 cm long, and shorten the upper ones. The cutting is stuck into a wet nutrient mixture and greenhouse conditions are provided for it, covered with a jar. If you need a lot of seedlings, form a greenhouse using film. The survival rate of green cuttings is 50-90%, depending on the conditions created for rooting.
Reproduction by layering and willow grafting
Not all willows are propagated by cuttings; for some, only propagation by layering or grafting onto a standard is suitable.
- To propagate by layering, basal shoots with formed roots are dug up in early spring, the cut roots of the seedling are treated with fungicides, and the plant is planted in a new place, observing all the rules for planting a new seedling.
- Some types of willows are grown only on a trunk, so to obtain a varietal plant, a branch of the desired varietal plant is grafted onto a trunk of the required height.
Willow diseases and pests
Even such an unpretentious plant as willow needs to monitor the health of its leaves and wood.
Willow diseases
Fungal diseases on willow include powdery mildew, rust, various types of spots, and scab. The appearance and development of fungal diseases is facilitated by increased humidity resulting from long-term rainy weather. To combat such diseases, ornamental varieties of willows are treated with fungicides for prevention twice a season - in spring and autumn, as well as during the season when the first signs of the disease are detected. Tall tree varieties are pruned so that their branches do not touch the ground. Fungal spores overwinter in fallen leaves and infect plants again in the spring. Without timely control, fungal colonies grow and the willow may die.
Regularly inspect the bark and branches of willows, since when necrotic signs appear, timely measures must be taken to combat the disease and prevent its development and transfer to other plants. Infected branches are removed to healthy wood, and the cut areas are treated. Avoid mechanical damage to tree bark, through which disease vectors usually enter.
Preventive treatments against cytospor and diplodin necrosis are carried out in August. If treatment was not carried out in the summer, then it should be carried out in May. One treatment per season is enough.
Willow pests
There are also pests on willow. Caterpillars of the willow silkworm eat the leaves, as a result of which the bush or tree loses its decorative appearance. To combat the pest, clutches found on leaves and bark are removed, hatched larvae and white butterflies are collected by hand and destroyed.
Aphids suck out the juices of the plant, young buds and leaves fall off. Aphid eggs overwinter on the bark of a tree, and without pest control, new colonies of aphids appear from them the next year. For prevention, avoid planting plants that the pest loves near willow. Affected plants are treated with insecticides.
Willow species and varieties
Among the willows there are tall trees, shrubs and creeping species. They all grow quickly, adapt well to their environment, and can be trimmed and shaped. Let's look at the varietal characteristics of some of them.
1. Iwa Matsudana– a tall tree, up to 10-12 m, grows in its natural environment in Korea and China. More often, its decorative form is used for cultivation, which grows in the form of a bush, its branches are curved, the crown is highly decorative, openwork. For planting, a sunny, well-lit place is required.
2. Willow whole leaf- tall spreading shrub. The leaves are oblong, oval, the shoots are red or yellowish. The shape of the bush and its leaves resemble a fern. It blooms with dark red earrings, emitting a pleasant aroma. In nature it grows in damp meadows. Decorative varieties of whole-leaved willow:
- All-leaf willow Hakuro Nishiki is a small shrub or tree with a spherical crown. It has unusually decorative foliage and shoots. Young leaves are pink-white, shoots are red or olive.
- Willow whole-leaved Pendula is a creeping shrub that looks most advantageous when grafted onto a standard.
3. Willow or willow– a shrub or tree with strong growth force, grows in nature near a body of water, prefers sandy soil. The branches are thin, flexible, young shoots are red, with a waxy coating. The leaves are long, pointed, bluish on the underside. Unpretentious species, easily propagated by cuttings.
4. Brittle willow, or broom, differs from its relatives in the shape of leaf branches. Its shoots are fragile, olive-green, the leaves are elongated, pointed, with a serrated edge, with a blue tint on the underside. The crown of its natural appearance is round, asymmetrical, openwork. As a decorative species, the spherical shape of the Bullata variety of willow is used, which has a dense, even, rounded shape.
5. Babylonian willow- a tall tree with a luxurious weeping crown. It grows up to 15 m, the crown diameter reaches 9 m. It is successfully used in landscaping parks and reservoirs. The leaves are long, narrow, serrated, blooms after the leaves open.
6. Goat willow- the most common type in landscaping. This is a tree up to 10 m with a dense crown and wide oval leaves. Young leaves are pubescent; over time, the upper part becomes smooth. It blooms with large earrings, decorative forms are propagated by cuttings, and in nature by seeds. Many varieties of decorative forms of this species have been bred. The most interesting of them:
- Zilberglyants is a highly decorative variety, especially good during flowering due to the large number of large fragrant earrings. The leaves are wide, oval. Tolerates partial shade well and has high frost resistance.
- Mas - tree or shrub up to 10 m, spreading crown, blooms profusely. The male form has decorative properties.
- Weeping is the standard male form of the plant. Grows up to a maximum of 3 meters. Multiple branches hang densely to the ground. Earrings are numerous, with a pleasant aroma. It grows very quickly, is frost-resistant and shade-tolerant.
Willow photo
Willow wholeleaf Hakuro Nishiki
Iwa Matsudana
Brittle willow, or broom
Babylonian willow
Weeping goat willow
Varietal varieties of willows are used for landscaping city parks, designing gardens and park areas. The bark and branches of willows are used for medicinal purposes, as well as as material for weaving baskets and furniture. Willows also performed well as plants used as hedges. Unpretentiousness and rapid growth allow you to grow a real hedge in just 2-3 years, which will not only serve as a fence for the site from uninvited guests, but will also decorate it with its unusual attractive appearance.
