If your garden doesn't have enough space for a willow, you don't have to do without this magnificent tree species. Simply choose a variety that is also suitable for keeping in containers. The harlequin willow from Japan with the botanical name Salix integra will delight you with beautiful pink flowers. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when cultivating in a pot.
How do you care for a harlequin willow in a pot?
To care for a harlequin willow (Salix integra) in a container, you need a large container, high-quality garden soil, continuous irrigation, regular pruning and a frost-protected location in winter. The bucket must be additionally insulated during the winter months.
Requirements for the bucket
Although the harlequin willow reaches a comparatively small size with a maximum height of three meters and a width of 75 to 150 cm, the tree still forms a huge root ball. For this reason, you should choose a bucket with sufficient volume.
The right substrate
So that your harlequin willow develops properly, we recommend using high-quality garden soil (€14.00 on Amazon). It is best to add a layer of mulch to provide Salix integra with all the important nutrients. The tree cannot tolerate extreme drought at all. Therefore, keep the substrate moist at all times.
Cutting harlequin willow in a bucket
Pruning is particularly important when keeping things in containers. If you use the scissors regularly, growth will automatically slow down in most cases. Of course, this has a particularly beneficial effect on maintaining the spherical shape. How to cut the harlequin willow in the pot:
- choose a frost-free day in February or March
- the sky should be overcast
- shorten the shoots to five to ten centimeters
- remove the branches thoroughly, especially at the base
- lighten the crown regularly
Overwintering harlequin willow in a bucket
When cultivating in pots, frost protection is absolutely necessary, in contrast to outdoor cultivation. Protect the roots with an extra layer of mulch and wrap a burlap sack around the pot. Place your harlequin willow in a protected location. Closed rooms are rather unsuitable, as the Japanese ornamental tree actually depends on cold temperatures to a certain extent. When watering, make sure that the water does not freeze and the bucket bursts.
