In order for the corkscrew willow to grow vigorously and healthily in the bucket, various factors are decisive. First and foremost, it is important to keep the vehement growth under control. The selection of the location and the professional care follow. Read how the plan works here.

With a little care, the corkscrew willow can even be trained to become a bonsai

Successful pot culture stands and falls with the pruning

You will only get much pleasure from the picturesque appearance if you put the rapid growth of a corkscrew willow in its place. With a view to an annual growth of up to 100 cm, radical pruning at the right time is crucial. How to do it right:

  • Shorten all shoots by two thirds during the leafless period from December to March
  • Thin out the bush thoroughly at the same time
  • Cut off weak, obviously diseased and inward turning branches at the base

Alternatively, you can plant a Salix matsudana on a stick in late winter, both in a tub and in a bed. The wood is trimmed to a hand’s breadth above the ground. As long as at least one dormant eye remains on a shoot, growth will continue.

How to care for the corkscrew willow in the pot

Choose a large bucket with a volume of at least 90 liters and an opening in the bottom for water drainage. As a substrate, we recommend a compost-based, low-peat potting soil, optimized with perlite (€37.51) and sand. The water and nutrient supply is limited to regular watering when the surface has dried and monthly fertilizing.

Although the corkscrew willow is completely hardy, it receives a light winter protection in the bucket for reasons of caution. Before the first frost, please cover the container with bubble wrap and slide a block of wood underneath. Spread a thick layer of fall leaves or brushwood on the substrate.

In connection with the pruning, check the degree of root penetration. If the root system threatens to burst the bucket, repot the corkscrew willow into a larger container.

tips

With its strong roots, the corkscrew willow conquers the garden in no time at all. So that other plants are not hindered, we recommend planting with a root barrier. This is a non-rotting and impenetrable geotextile (€107.71) that puts a stop to the urge to spread.

Category:

Trees