The harlequin willow is probably the most suitable plant of all for gardeners who take great pleasure in handling secateurs. Thanks to the high cutting tolerance, everything is allowed, from a filigree shape cut to a radical cut. Regular trimming is even absolutely necessary so that the ornamental willow maintains its beautiful appearance and forms the typical pink flowers after new growth.
Harlequin willow tolerates pruning well
time
The best time for a radical cut of the harlequin willow is spring. If you radically cut back your willow at this time of year, the ornamental shrub will reward you with lush flowers just a few months later. In the summer months, only topiary should be done. In no case should you make a radical cut in the fall. With the risk of ground frosts, the risk that your pruned harlequin willow will not survive the winter increases. A radical intervention at this time makes the cuts heal less well and makes Salix Integra susceptible to frost. Choose a cloudy, frost-free day for the radical cut.
You must take note of this
The harlequin willow comes either in the form of a shrub or as a standard. Both variants require a few rules for radical editing:
Harlequin willow as a shrub
- You can trim your harlequin willow to a few inches off the ground as a shrub.
- A rapid expulsion follows.
- The radical cut promotes growth.
- In addition, you save yourself the tedious task of cutting out individual, dead branches.
Harlequin willow as a standard
Harlequin willows in the form of a standard are often grafted. Under no circumstances should you cut into the grafting area. By doing this, you would deal massive damage to the Harlequin Willow.
- Shorten the shoots to a maximum of ten centimeters.
- At least four pairs of eyes should remain on a shoot.
- Place the scissors just above the eye.
- You should completely remove diseased and dried shoots.
- You should also thin out the crown by removing branches that grow transversely and spoil the look.
- Don't leave stubs at the base.
Alternatives to the radical cut
Harlequin willows are also popular hedge plants as a shrub. In this case, a radical cut would not be effective. However, regular trimming of the branches is essential. In this case it is sufficient if you cut the plant back by two thirds every two years.