Where slopes, embankments and wasteland need to be greened, the robust willow will be happy to help. With its characteristic pussy willows, the native willow species acts as a decorative eye-catcher and a swarming pasture for bees. The dense foliage qualifies the ornamental shrub for reliable wind and privacy protection in the form of a hedge. The following answers to frequently asked questions show how you can professionally cultivate this universal talent.
Planting willow correctly
Plant a willow in a sunny location in normal garden soil. You can offer the decorative ornamental shrub the best starting conditions by planting it in the fall. Loosen the soil thoroughly to remove weeds, roots and stones. Then dig a planting pit with 1.5 times the volume of the root ball. If you mix the excavated soil with compost and horn shavings, the kitten willow will feel particularly welcome in its place. Position the potted root ball in the pit so that it ends flush with the surface of the soil. The cavities are filled with the enriched substrate, compacted and generously poured on. A mulch layer of leaves or bark mulch rounds off the skillful planting process.
Care tips
The clear care program makes it clear why the willow can act as a pioneer plant in the wild. These are the only measures that matter:
- Watering in summer drought
- Administer a slow-release fertilizer in April and July
- Fertilize liquidly in the pot every 30 days from March to August
- Light winter protection is only advisable for potted plants
Immediately after flowering, cut the vigorous catkin willow into shape and thin out the wood thoroughly.
Which location is suitable?
So that the tightly upright or decoratively overhanging branches present themselves in their most lush catty glory, the location should be as sunny as possible. The willow also tolerates light shade. However, if the daily solar output drops to less than 4 hours, you will look in vain for the furry spring blossoms. In terms of soil quality, the palm willow accepts almost all local conditions as long as it is not dominated by waterlogging.
What is the best time to plant?
As long as the ground is not frozen, plant the willow in a sunny to partially shaded location. In the best case scenario, choose a planting time between September and November. The young roots spread quickly in the sun-warmed soil, so that the ornamental shrub starts its first garden season with a vital growth lead.
When is flowering time?
The pure species delights us from March to April with silvery furry flowers that gradually turn golden-yellow. An exception is the Advent willow - also known as silver shine. The ornamental tree sprouts the silver-white fur catkins as early as December and lasts until March.read more
Cutting willow correctly
The vigorous growth of up to 100 cm per year is accompanied by first-class tolerance to cutting. Cut the willow tree back immediately after flowering. This pruning can easily remove up to two-thirds of the shoots. Hanging catkinseed willows can even tolerate being cut down to 10 cm. Of course, the pioneer tree reacts to this with an extra strong shoot. As part of the cut, the wood is carefully thinned out by cutting off all dead wood close to the ground or on the branch.read more
Watering the willow tree
A Sal pasture makes do with the natural rainfall. Watering is only necessary in summer droughts, as the root ball should not dry out completely. In pot culture, on the other hand, the soil dries out quickly in a sunny location. Therefore, check every few days with a thumb test whether the substrate has dried to a depth of 3-5 cm. Apply the water immediately to the root disc.
Fertilize sage willow properly
If you fertilize a catkin pasture in April and July with a mineral-organic long-term fertilizer, the nutrient requirements are well covered. Alternatively, you can work mature compost on the surface of the root disc every 4 weeks and then water extensively. Since supplies quickly run out in the container's limited substrate volume, apply a liquid fertilizer every 30 days from March to August.
Wintering
As a native tree, the Sal willow is ideally suited to the local winter. Therefore, no special precautions need to be taken, especially since all leaves are shed. If the catkinseed willow tree is in a location exposed to wind, as a precaution, wrap the container in foil or jute and slide a block of wood underneath.
Propagate sage willow
Easily grow more willow trees using cuttings. If the tree is full of sap, cut non-flowering, half-woody head cuttings. These are defoliated in the lower half and placed in pots with poor substrate. In a partially shaded location with regular water supply, rooting progresses quickly. Plant out the young catkin willow trees in the fall. Propagation takes place in a similar way using leafless cuttings during the winter so that they can be planted in the bed in spring. In contrast to cuttings, cut a cutting out of the middle of the branch.read more
Sow willow in a pot
The small hanging pussy willow creates eye-catching accents in the pot on the balcony and terrace. The vessel should have a volume of at least 40 liters. Any common potting soil can be used as a substrate, ideally enriched with a little sand or perlite. In contrast to its counterparts in the open field, a willow in a pot is watered regularly. Furthermore, pamper the ornamental tree with a liquid fertilizer every 30 days from March to August. Before the first frost, the bucket is given a winter coat made of jute ribbons, foil or garden fleece. Water occasionally during the winter to keep the soil from drying out. The graceful willow species is cut immediately after flowering.
Trivia
The Sal willow still has a permanent place in customs today. The flowering branches are cut on Maundy Thursday to decorate the vase with colorful eggs for Easter. On Palm Sunday, the green leafy branches are a central part of the sticks decorated with colorful ribbons that children carry to the procession. Small bunches of palm branches are attached to the crucifix to keep evil away from the house and yard.
Beautiful varieties
- Mas: An all-male Sal willow that boasts large, yellow catkins and a wonderful scent; 5-8 m
- Pendula: Distinctive hanging pussy willow with clearly overhanging branches; a perfect solitaire; 4-6 m
- Kilmarnock: Small willow with arching overhanging branches; ideal as a small tree for the front garden; 1-2 m
- Silverluster: Very early flowering variety that produces catkins as early as December in mild winters; 4-6 m
- Bögelsack: Fast-growing variety that produces golden-yellow catkins from March onwards; wonderful autumn colors; 4-8 m
