So that the corkscrew willow in the pot thrives vitally and he althily, various factors are crucial. The first priority is to keep the rapid growth under control. The choice of location and professional care are part of this. Read here how the plan works.
How do I care for a corkscrew willow in a pot?
For a he althy corkscrew willow in the pot, pruning, location, care and winter protection are crucial. Choose a large container, prune shoots annually, water and fertilize regularly, and provide light shelter in winter.
Successful pot culture depends on pruning
You will only enjoy the picturesque appearance if you put the rapid growth of a corkscrew willow in its place. With a view to annual growth of up to 100 cm, radical pruning at the right time is crucial. How to do it right:
- Short all shoots by two thirds during the leafless period from December to March
- At the same time, thin out the bush thoroughly
- Cut off weak, obviously diseased and inward-facing branches at the base
Alternatively, you can put a Salix matsudana on the stick in both the bucket and the bed in late winter. This involves trimming the entire tree to a hand's width above the ground. As long as at least one sleeping eye remains on a shoot, growth will continue.
How to care for the corkscrew willow in the pot
Choose a large bucket with at least 90 liters volume and a bottom opening for water drainage. As a substrate, we recommend a peat-rich potting soil (€18.00 on Amazon) based on compost, optimized with perlite and sand. The water and nutrient supply is limited to regular watering when the surface is dry and monthly fertilization.
Although the corkscrew willow is completely hardy, it is given a slight winter protection in the pot for reasons of caution. Before the first frost, please cover the container with bubble wrap and slide a block of wood under it. Spread a thick layer of autumn leaves or brushwood on the substrate.
In connection with the pruning, check the degree of root penetration. If the root system threatens to burst the pot, repot the corkscrew willow into a larger container.
Tip
With its strong roots, the corkscrew willow conquers the garden in no time. To avoid hindering other plants, we recommend planting with a root barrier. This is a non-rotting and impenetrable geotextile that puts a stop to the urge to spread.
