The corkscrew willow Salix matsudana is a fast-growing and rapidly expanding tree. The Salix matsudana is a native tree that grows between four and ten meters tall. After the decorative flower arrangement in spring, the willow shows itself in a summer green dress. The autumn color of the lanceolate leaves is yellow. Their main distinguishing feature, however, are the twisted branches that rise up into the sky like corkscrews. The decorative ornamental tree is easy to cultivate and is a feast for the eyes in the entrance area or at explicitly selected locations.
Location & soil
The corkscrew willow grows best in a bright to full sun. Too dark a stand leads to poor growth. When planting it should be noted that the annual growth can be up to one meter. In this way, gaps in vegetation in the garden can be greened within a short period of time. Corkscrew willows can live up to 30 years. Older wood is often rotten and rotten inside. The corkscrew willow Salix matsudana does not make any demands on the substrate. It grows on sandy, loamy or calcareous soil. The substrate should be able to store water. Corkscrew willows in planters get along well with standard potting soil.
plants
The corkscrew willow is planted in spring or autumn. You need a planting hole, which must be at least twice as large as the root ball. A drainage layer made of gravel and a handful of horn shavings or compost serve as a nutrient depot for the first time. After the young willow has been placed in the center of the planting hole, the planting hole can be filled with the excavated material. Depending on the location, the willow can be provided with a support post to prevent wind breakage in the first few years. Tip: watering sufficiently before planting makes it easier to grow! A layer of mulch protects the root area from drying out later.
to water
Between
Fertilize
The willow is a shallow root. Through its distinctive root system, it takes all the nutrients required for growth from the soil. You only have to fertilize on poor soil, if at all. Compost or horn shavings are suitable for this. In the plant pot, the willow should receive liquid fertilizer every 14 days during the main growing season via the irrigation water.
Cut
Regular pruning promotes the healthy growth of the tree. In addition, pruning keeps budding within limits. Early spring, when the tree has no leaves, or autumn, when all the leaves have already fallen, are favorable for pruning. If the tree grows very strongly, pruning can be carried out in spring and autumn. How to do it:
- Trim center drives to the required height
- Remove secondary drives
- Remove branches that are growing transversely
- Cut out dead branches
Educate yourself by latching on to a tree:
- Gradually remove the side shoots up to the desired height
- cut off the shoots directly on the main stem
- leave no stumps
- Choose a downward sloping shape for the crown abutment on the sides
Tip: Spread training about the tree over several years!
Multiply
The propagation of willows is done by cuttings. They arise when the corkscrew willow is cut or are obtained directly from the tree. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long. In the lower area the leaves are at a height up to eight centimeters
Diseases
Brown spots on the leaf edges are called willow scab. They are caused by the Drepanopezzia spaeroidea fungus. Fighting is tedious because the fungus overwinters in the tree. Infested parts are generously removed. Potash and phosphorus strengthen the immune system of the corkscrew willow. If the shoots die, then the fungus can Marssinina salicicola be a cause. Here, too, all infected parts must be generously removed. The willow borer is a follower. It lays its eggs in the bark of the trees when it is no longer intact. The larvae eat their way through the wood. If the infestation is severe, the willow dies. Targeted control is not possible due to the large number of moths. However, the females can be collected from the pasture before they lay eggs.
Another pest is the willow leaf beetle. It resembles a ladybug, but has a black metallic color. The beetle eats the young leaves of the willow and is therefore responsible for the balding of the shoots. Adult willows get along well with the voracious beetle. The use of chemicals is not necessary. By the way: A species-appropriate location strengthens the resistance of the corkscrew willow Salix matsudana.
frequently asked Questions
- How many species of willow are there? - More than 450 species of Salix are known worldwide.
- Can the corkscrew willow in the pot tolerate wet feet? - No, a sufficient training layer is appropriate, otherwise there is a risk of root rot.
- How is a corkscrew willow used? - The corkscrew willow Salix matsudana can be planted as a solitary wood or in small groups. It is also conceivable to use it as a hedge. However, it needs to be cut regularly.
- Can a willow develop back into a shrub as a tree? - Yes, because a corkscrew willow keeps sprouting. If you prefer a shrub, simply cut the tree just above the ground. The best time to do this is in February / March. Many shoots will sprout from the tree stump within a short time.
- What can be done about the balding of older branches? - A radical cut back helps here. The regrowing young shoots are green again.
- What is the dangerous thing about shallow roots? - Shallow roots do not grow in depth, but spread out in breadth like a plate. They disturb their neighbors with their superficial root system and are particularly susceptible to wind. Sidewalks and terraces as well as drainage pipes can be damaged.
Worth knowing about the corkscrew willow in brief
the Corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa') is not only a very popular wood because of its twisted red-brown shoots. The relatively undemanding willow plant impresses in various ways throughout the garden year. The branches of the Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' have a yellowish sheen in winter. Whether the wood grows as a small shrub or a large tree can be influenced by the respective cutting measures. But what should you watch out for with this wood? For which locations is the Salix matsudana suitable? And what should be considered in the care and propagation?
Peculiarities of the corkscrew willow
- The lanceolate leaves have a serrated edge and are arranged alternately on the shoots.
- The corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa') belongs to the willow family (Salicaceae).
- The native wood can reach considerable heights between four and ten meters.
- Therefore it is not suitable for the front or the small terraced house garden.
- The elongated flowers are produced by the corkscrew willow in March / April. The fruits then develop from this in May / June.
Site conditions
- The corkscrew willow can cope with almost all site conditions, regardless of whether the soil is loamy and wet or sandy and dry.
- Since the corkscrew willow is a fast growing tree, neither Front gardens still Terraces-Surface suitable as locations.
- This tree grows in normal garden soil and usually does not need fertilization.
- Unless the soil is very poor, a dose of fresh compost soil in the spring can do no harm.
Cut
- The tree can be thinned normally. Regular pruning is useful for rejuvenation. Because older branches can sometimes become brittle.
- The wood can also be cut back radically. For rejuvenation, it is even recommended to sit on the stick.
- If you would like to use the attractive branches for the vase, you should also use secateurs often. Above all, a strong pruning should ensure that the young shoots get a particularly beautiful reddish color.
Multiplication
- On the one hand, corkscrew willow can be propagated by cuttings, because the shoots take root very easily in normal garden soil.
- These cuttings can be obtained from the pruning.
- The nice thing is that the corkscrew willow can be cutted in almost any season.
- The second way to propagate a zigzag willow is to root the shoots in water - in a vase.
