Introduction
There’s perhaps no tree more whimsical than the weeping willow with its delicate branches brushing the ground and swaying gently in the breeze. You may not know that the Salix genus, to which the weeping willow belongs, has over 400 species of trees and shrubs. With such a large family to choose from, there’s a willow for everyone!
This guide will go over how to choose a willow tree, comparing common varieties of both trees and shrubs, how to plant a willow, and essential care tips. Keep reading for insider nursery knowledge on this historic plant!
Choosing the Right Willow for Your Landscape
When choosing any plant for your landscape, first consider your location. Do you know what growing zone you’re in? If not, check out this interactive map that will help you pick the plants that will thrive in your area. Once you know your hardiness zone, refer to the list of common willow varieties below to find your perfect match:
Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) - Weeping willows originated in northern China, but it’s likely that it traveled along the Silk Road to make its way to parts of Europe and southern Asia. Eventually it landed in North America, where it has become a recognizable natural wonder. This unique tree has wispy branches that cascade down to the ground. It’s a moisture-loving tree, best planted near ponds or swampy areas. These deciduous trees grow large, up to 50-70’ in height, and 40-60’ in width, so be sure to give them plenty of space!
McKay Nursery offers the showstopper Niobe Golden Weeping Willow, a fast-growing and hardy tree that thrives in zones 4-8. Its leaves turn a lovely golden color in fall.
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) - Also called the American pussy willow, this willow is native to most of North America. The charming pussy willow is a small deciduous shrub with distinctive fuzzy catkins. This shrub is well-beloved by the floral industry and crafters alike due to these soft, silver-gray buds which appear in early spring. Pussy willows are adaptable and can be found thriving in a variety of habitats, from riverbanks to moist woodlands, showcasing its versatility and resilience.
Pussy willow shrubs typically reach heights of 6-10 feet, making them a charming accent in landscapes. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Most pussy willows are well-suited for zones 4-8 and are known for its hardiness and ease of care.
Dappled Willow (Tree form - Salix integra hakuro ‘Nishiki’ Shrub form - Salix integra ‘Haruka Nishiki’) - A wonderful tri-colored willow with both a tree and shrub form, you may have guessed by its scientific name that the dappled willow originated in Japan. This stunning ornamental plant has variegated foliage that starts off in spring with pink hues, and transitions throughout the growing season to a more white and green mix. Its slender branches sway gently in the breeze, adding a touch of elegance to any landscape. Dappled willow grows best in moist soil throughout zones 4-9.
When grown as a tree, this willow forms a graceful, rounded canopy that can reach heights of 10’ with a spread of up to 6’. The dappled willow tree thrives in partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
When pruned as a shrub, the dappled willow becomes a dense, compact mound that typically reaches 5-6’ in height and width. This versatile form is perfect for creating colorful hedges or as a striking focal point in smaller gardens.
Our nursery offers both the tree form and shrub form of the dappled willow to meet your landscape’s needs.
Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) - The corkscrew willow is a unique ornamental tree that also originated in China. Its most striking feature is its twisted, contorted branches that spiral in all directions, giving the tree a whimsical, enchanted appearance. The curly branches and twigs remain an intriguing focal point even in winter when the leaves have fallen, making the corkscrew willow a year-round standout in the landscape.
Growing to a height of 20-30’ with a spread of 15-20’, the corkscrew willow is a medium-sized tree that can fit comfortably in a variety of garden settings. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are a bright green in spring and summer, turning a golden-yellow in the fall. This willow thrives in full sun to partial shade throughout zones 4-9, and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it can tolerate different soil types.
There are many more varieties of willows to research, but once you select your favored variety, see our planting tips below!
Optimal Conditions for Planting Willows
Spring and fall are ideal planting seasons. This is because temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more abundant, leading to an increased amount of natural moisture in the soil, which reduces the stress on newly planted trees. Moist soil is especially important for the water-loving types of willows. Planting during spring and fall promotes quicker root establishment and healthy growth. These seasons are also when insects are less active, meaning there’s less of a risk for infestations.
Planting Willow Trees: Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose the right plant: Select a willow tree or willow shrub suitable for your climate and the space where it will be planted. Consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and available space.
- Prepare the site: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball. Remove any grass or weeds from the area around the hole.
- Plant the tree: Place the tree in the hole and make sure it’s level. Backfill the hole with soil and pack it down firmly. Water the tree thoroughly after planting.
- Mulch the tree: Add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing. Mulch stabilizes the ground moisture and the soil temperature.
- Care for the tree: Water the tree regularly, especially during the first seasons after planting. Prune the tree as needed to remove dead or damaged branches.
Watering and Mulching Willow Trees
Water newly planted trees regularly, especially during the first seasons after planting. This helps to establish the roots. Once roots are established, watering should become less frequent. Below are a few watering best practices:
- Check the soil moisture weekly by sticking your finger a few inches into the soil at the base of the tree. If it feels damp, hold off on watering.
- Water at the base of the tree, never the foliage, to reduce the chances of leaf disease.
- Water your plants in the morning to allow them to absorb moisture before the heat of the day evaporates it. Early watering also helps prevent the growth of fungal diseases that thrive in damp conditions.
- Ensure that water reaches the root zone of the tree. A deep and thorough watering encourages plants to develop deep root systems, making them more resilient to drought conditions.
Mulching is another important part of tree maintenance. Below are some mulching best practices from our nursery experts:
- Weed before mulching. Adding mulch on top of weeds will only encourage the weed growth.
- Add a layer of mulch that's about 3" deep on top of soil and surrounding newly planted trees, but don’t pile mulch up around the trunks. This can cause severe damage or even kill plants. Leave a few inches for the tree or plant to breathe.
- Mulch naturally breaks down over time (unless you use a synthetic mulch), so we recommend renewing it every few years.
- We recommend using a double shredded hardwood mulch. Choose one with an organic mixture, so it also helps keep a protective level of moisture near the roots of plants.
Pruning and Shaping Willow Trees
Pruning is key to keeping your willow trees and shrubs healthy and looking great. Whether you’re caring for a graceful tree or a compact shrub, a little trimming goes a long way. Be sure to use quality pruning tools to avoid any injuries.
Tree Form Willows - For willow trees like the weeping or corkscrew varieties, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Start by removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. If your tree is getting too large, selectively trim outer branches to control its size. Regular, light pruning helps maintain a beautiful shape.
Shrub Form Willows - Shrub willows, like dappled willow shrubs, benefit from early spring pruning as well. Cut back dead or weak stems to the base, and for a fuller appearance, reduce the shrub’s size by one-third to one-half. To maintain a neat shape, lightly trim the outer edges throughout the growing season.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Willow trees can attract common pests like aphids, caterpillars, and willow beetles. To manage them, regularly inspect your trees, and if needed, use an organic insecticidal soap such as neem oil or horticultural oil to keep infestations under control.
Diseases like willow scab and black canker can affect willows, often showing up as dark spots or wilting leaves. To treat these, prune affected areas and ensure good air circulation. If problems persist, a fungicide may be necessary. Check out your local garden center, nursery, or university extension for more guidance.
Landscaping Ideas with Willow Trees
When landscaping around willow trees and shrubs, pair them with plants that share their water-loving qualities, such as ferns, hostas, or astilbes. These plants also tolerate shade well, which is a necessity living under a willow tree. For a pop of color, hydrangeas and Japanese irises can add vibrant blooms to the mix. Daylilies and sedges also work well, adding texture and interest to the landscape. These combinations create a harmonious and visually appealing garden that complements the natural elegance of willow shrubs. Willows have expansive root systems, so give them plenty of space to grow by avoiding planting too close to the trunk. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and reduces competition from grass or weeds.
Conclusion
Willows are a versatile and enchanting addition to any landscape, whether you’re drawn to the graceful sweep of a golden weeping willow tree or the variegated foliage of a dappled willow shrub. With their love of moisture and adaptable nature, these trees and shrubs can thrive in a variety of settings, offering beauty and interest year-round. By following the tips in this guide—choosing the right variety, planting with care, and maintaining your willow with regular pruning and attention—you’ll enjoy a healthy, vibrant willow that brings a touch of whimsy and wonder to your garden.
At McKay Nursery, we’re here to help you every step of the way, so feel free to contact us with any questions as you care for your landscape.