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The Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Curly Willow Plant
If you’re looking for a tree that will add interest to your garden, look no further than the curly willow plant.
This unique tree has long, thin leaves that dance in the breeze and cascading branches that add texture to any landscape.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for curly willow trees.
What is a Curly Willow Plant?
Curly willows (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) are deciduous trees that are native to China.
They are commonly grown as ornamental plants in gardens and parks due to their distinctive twisted branches.
The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall at maturity with a spread of up to 20 feet.
Planting Curly Willow Trees
Curly willows prefer moist soil conditions but can tolerate standing water in areas with poor drainage.
When planting your tree, choose an area with full sun exposure or partial shade if you live in a hot climate.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole.
- Place your curly willow plant into the hole so that it sits level with or slightly above ground level.
- Fill around the roots with soil until it’s even with ground level.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Caring for Your Curly Willow Tree
Once planted, there are several things you can do to help your curly willow thrive:
- Mulch: Apply mulch around your tree’s base each year before winter sets in.
This will help retain moisture and protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Water: Provide your tree with regular water, especially during periods of drought.
Curly willows prefer moist soil conditions but can tolerate standing water in areas with poor drainage.
- Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to your tree in early spring before new growth appears.
- Pruning: Prune your curly willow plant each winter while it’s dormant to maintain its shape and control its size.
Remove any dead or damaged branches as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Pests and Diseases
Curly willows are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to some problems:
- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the leaves of your tree, causing them to curl and distort.
They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Scales: Scale insects suck sap from the leaves of your tree, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
They can also be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Canker disease: This fungal disease causes sunken spots on the bark of the tree, which eventually girdles it, killing off branches.
Infected trees should be removed immediately to prevent further spread of the disease.
The Bottom Line
Growing a curly willow plant is a unique way to add texture and interest to your garden landscape.
With proper planting techniques and care, you’ll enjoy this beautiful deciduous tree for years!
