The exotic harlequin willow impresses with its striking appearance. The rich green foliage and the pink flowers are particularly well expressed in the spherical shape. Especially as a standard tree, this look can be maintained all year round with a few simple tips on correct pruning. Read on this page how and when you should prune.
How do I cut a harlequin willow into a ball?
To prune a harlequin willow into a ball, prune it once a year in the spring, removing old or weak branches at the base. Shorten the remaining branches to a third of their length without damaging the grafted trunk. Topiary cuts can be carried out in summer and late summer.
Frequency
The Harlequin willow is known for its rapid growth. If the wounds have healed after pruning, new shoots will form after a short time. When it comes to maintaining shape, regularity is the be-all and end-all. For this purpose, it is recommended to prune once a year. Topiary cuts can be made as often as you like in the following months. You recognize the need for such a topiary cut when branches are too close together.
Time
The best time for pruning is spring before the leaves emerge. This will strengthen future new growth. In summer, especially with tall trunks, it is necessary to thin out again and remove protruding branches to ensure the desired growth habit. Harlequin willows often lose the growth habit they have just trimmed in May. You should carry out the final trimming in late summer. If you cut your plant too late in the fall, it risks sprouting again the same year. This costs the tree a lot of energy. As a result, the harlequin willow is most likely lacking resources for the upcoming winter.
Instructions
- Remove old or weak branches immediately at the base
- Short the remaining branches to a third of their length
- Never cut off more than three eyes
- Do not cut into the grafted trunk
- Cut the branches more than not enough. This ensures stronger sprouting
Cut back harlequin willow radically
Don't be afraid to cut back your harlequin willow heavily at least once a year. After only a short time, the stem sprouts again. Otherwise it could happen that the attractive spherical shape of the crown grows out over time. Thanks to the rapid growth of the harlequin willow, you don't have to worry about any cutting errors. Unaesthetic procedures disappear within a short time.
