Fortunately, harlequin willows sprout again after a short time even after a strong pruning. Regular trimming of branches is an essential part of care. This will encourage dense, bushy growth. You don't have to worry about shortening your ornamental shrub too much either. You will be amazed at how quickly it will sprout again. You will be equally disappointed if the promised growth does not materialize. Here you can find out what could be the reason.
If the harlequin willow does not drive in spring, this is often due to pruning errors
causes
If your harlequin willow does not sprout at the usual time in spring, you probably cut the shrub at the wrong time, namely in autumn. If the temperatures drop below 0°C at night, the otherwise hardy harlequin willow becomes sensitive to frost if it is pruned late. This is largely due to poorly healing interfaces. In addition, pruning always stimulates new growth. For this, the harlequin willow has to muster energy that it ultimately lacks in winter.
Another possibility is to move the harlequin willow. After a change of location, older specimens in particular have difficulty forming new roots. There must always be a balance between growth above and below ground. Only with sufficiently large roots will the harlequin willow be supplied with sufficient nutrients for the budding.
Peculiarities of the high stem
A clear stem is usually a grafted plant. A cut in the grafting place when cutting the branches, cause serious damage to the harlequin willow.
Here's how to do it correctly
- It is best to cut your harlequin willow in the spring before it buds.
- With a high trunk, make sure that you only shorten the branches to at least ten centimeters.
- Only make topiary cuts in the summer.
- When transplanting, injure as few roots as possible.
- Half a year before transplanting, dig a trench around the harlequin willow. Fill this with compost to strengthen root formation.