Where slopes, embankments and wasteland need to be greened, the robust willow is happy to help. With its characteristic willow catkins, the native willow species acts as a decorative eye-catcher and swarmed with 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 you how to properly cultivate this universal talent.
Plant willow correctly
plant one willow in a sunny spot in normal garden soil. You offer the decorative ornamental shrub the best starting conditions with a planting time in autumn. 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. Mixing the excavated soil with compost and horn shavings will make the kitten willow feel extra welcome in its place. Position the potted root ball in the pit so that it ends up flush with the surface of the soil. The cavities are filled with the enriched substrate, trampled down and generously poured. A layer of mulch made of leaves or bark expertly rounds off the skilful planting process.
care tips
The clear care program makes it clear why the willow can act as a pioneer plant in the wild. The only things that matter are:
- Watering during summer drought
- One in April and July long-term fertilizer administer
- Fertilize in the bucket 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?
The location should be as sunny as possible so that the stiffly upright or decoratively overhanging branches are presented in their most lush catkin splendour. The willow also tolerates light shade. However, if the daily sun yield falls below 4 hours, you look in vain for the furry spring blossoms. With regard to the soil quality, the palm willow accepts almost all local conditions, as long as there is no waterlogging.
What is the best planting time?
As long as the ground is not frozen, plant the willow in a sunny to partially shaded location. In the best case, choose a date between September and November as the planting time. The young roots spread quickly in the sun-warmed soil, so that the ornamental shrub starts its first garden season with a vital growth advantage.
When is flowering time?
The pure species delights us from March to April with silvery fur-like flowers that gradually turn golden-yellow. An exception is the Advent willow - also known under the name Silberglanz. The ornamental tree allows the silver-white fur cats to sprout in December and lasts until March.
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Cut the willow properly
The vehement growth of up to 100 cm per year goes hand in hand with a first-class cut tolerance. Cut back the willow immediately after flowering. This pruning can easily remove up to two-thirds of the shoots. Hanging catkin willows even tolerate a 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 removing all dead wood close to the ground or on astring is cut off.
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Water the willow
A Sal willow is content with the natural amount of rain. There is only a need for watering in summer drought, because the root ball should not dry out completely. In bucket 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 3-5 cm deep. Put the water directly on the root disc.
Fertilize willow properly
Fertilize If you feed cats in April and July with a mineral-organic long-term fertilizer, the nutrient requirements are well covered. Optionally, every 4 weeks you can work in mature compost on the surface of the root disc and then pour it extensively. Since supplies are quickly running out in the narrow substrate volume of the tub, apply a liquid fertilizer every 30 days from March to August.
hibernate
As a native woody plant, the Sal willow is ideally suited to the local winter. Thus, no special precautions need to be taken, especially since all foliage is discarded. If the catkin willow is in a pot in a wind-exposed location, wrap the pot in foil or jute as a precaution and slide a block of wood underneath.
increase willow
Easily grow more willows with the help of cuttings. If the tree is full of sap, cut non-blooming, semi-lignified top cuttings. These are defoliated in the lower half and planted in pots with poor substrate. In a semi-shady location with a regular water supply, rooting progresses quickly. Plant out the young catkins in autumn. Propagation is similar with leafless cuttings during the winter period, so that they can be planted in the bed in spring. As opposed to cuttings, you cut a stick out of the middle of the branch.
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Willow in a pot
The small hanging willow willow set eye-catching accents on the balcony and terrace in the bucket. The vessel should have a volume of at least 40 liters. Any common substrate can be used potting soil in question, ideally enriched with some sand or perlite. In contrast to its conspecifics in the field, a willow in a pot is watered regularly. You can also pamper the ornamental tree with a liquid fertilizer every 30 days from March to August. Before the first frost, the tub gets 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 pruned immediately after flowering.
trivia
The Sal willow has a firm place in tradition to this day. On Maundy Thursday, the flowering branches are cut in order to decorate them with colorful eggs in the vase at Easter. The green leafy branches are a central part of the staff decorated with colorful ribbons that children carry to the procession on Palm Sunday. Small bunches of palm branches are attached to the crucifix to keep harm away from house and yard.
Beautiful varieties
- Mas: An all-male Sal willow showcasing large, yellow catkins and a delightful scent; 5-8 m
- Pendula: Distinctive catkin willow with distinctly overhanging twigs; 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
- Silver Gloss: Very early flowering variety that bears catkins as early as December in mild winters; 4-6 m
- Bögelsack: Fast-growing variety that bears golden-yellow catkins from March; gorgeous autumn colors; 4-8 m
