- Requirements for the bucket
- Cut harlequin willow in the tub
- Hibernate the harlequin willow in the bucket
If your garden does not have enough space for a willow, you do not have to do without this magnificent tree species. Simply use a variety that is also suitable for keeping in buckets. Originating from Japan, the harlequin willow with the botanical name Salix integra will delight you with a beautiful pink flower. However, you should pay attention to a number of things when cultivating in a pot.
The harlequin willow can also be kept in sufficiently large buckets
Requirements for the bucket
Although the harlequin willow reaches a maximum height of three meters and a width of 75 to 150 cm, it is comparatively small, but the tree forms a huge root ball. For this reason, you should choose a bucket with sufficient volume.
The right substrate
In order for your harlequin willow to develop properly, it is advisable to use high-quality garden soil. It is best to enrich this with an additional layer of mulch to provide Salix integra with all the important nutrients. The tree does not tolerate extreme drought. Therefore, keep the substrate constantly moist.
Cut harlequin willow in the tub
Pruning is particularly important when keeping buckets. Use the scissors regularly, but in most cases growth will slow down automatically. Of course, this has a particularly advantageous effect on maintaining the spherical shape. How to cut the harlequin willow in the bucket:
- choose a frost-free day in February or March
- the sky should be overcast
- shorten the shoots to five to ten centimeters
- remove the branches thoroughly, especially at the base
- thin out the crown regularly
Hibernate the harlequin willow in the bucket
When cultivating in a pot, frost protection is absolutely necessary, in contrast to free-range keeping. Protect the roots with an extra layer of mulch and wrap a burlap sack around the tub. Place your harlequin willow in a sheltered spot. Closed rooms are rather unsuitable, since the Japanese ornamental tree is dependent on cold temperatures to a certain extent. When watering, make sure that the water does not freeze and the bucket will burst open.