Shapely growth of a hanging willow depends on annual pruning care. Only a courageous pruning sets the course for the elegant, hanging habit with picturesque catkins. Read in these instructions when and how to skilfully trim a hanging catkin willow 'Pendula'.

The hanging willow tolerates heavy pruning

Prune hanging willow after flowering

The cuddly pussy willows are her most beautiful ornament. For this reason, the time window for pruning a hanging willow opens in late spring, after the end of the flowering period.

The starting shot for an annual cut is in the third or fourth year. A young hanging willow should have time and leisure to develop healthily and vigorously. From the fourth year at the earliest, regular trimming ensures that a shapely crown full of flowers is maintained.

Cutting instructions explained step by step

A courageous pruning is the decisive factor for the decorative combination of arching, hanging branches and an abundance of flowers. Without regular pruning, numerous dead shoots will accumulate in the crown of adult hanging willows within a few years. Layer by layer, new twigs lie on top of each other and shade each other, so that the hanging willow is bare and senile from the inside. With this cut, the hanging crown remains vital and flooded with light:

  • Best tool: pruning shears with bypass mechanism or folding saw with Japanese teeth
  • Cut back all shoots to 2 to 4 buds or leaves
  • Thin out dead shoots on astring

The right distance to the nearest pair of leaves or buds is important for correct pruning. Position the scissors or saw in such a way that you neither cut into an eye nor leave a long heel. The vigorous pruning causes strong growth with a growth rate of up to 50 centimeters per year. Young, overhanging rods will therefore not be long in coming.

Cut off wild shoots promptly

The special appeal of a hanging willow is based on the refinement of a picturesque crown and a trunk as a vital game base. However, the base is not always content to support the growth of the drooping crown of kittens. Rather, strong shoots sprout directly from the trunk.

With rapid growth, the cheeky wild shoots strive to overgrow the noble drooping crown in order to contest access to the light. Put a stop to the bold goings-on by removing the branches promptly. Alternatively, cut off a wild shoot just before the bark. Tear off specimens that sprout from the root disk with a strong jerk.

tips

The legendary harlequin willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki') follows a different schedule when it comes to pruning than a hanging willow (Salix caprea 'Pendula'). The focus here is on the colorful leaves, which make the gardener reach for the scissors twice a year. A vigorous pruning in late winter paves the way for the picturesque budding. A light pruning at the end of June freshens up the foliage again.

Category:

Indoor plants