The Japanese dragon willow, often also called Amur willow (bot. Salix udensis Sekka) is one of the rather rare ornamental trees in our domestic gardens. It's a pity really, because it's very attractive and an excellent pasture for bees and insects.

The dragon willow is propagated with sticks

Is it possible to sow the dragon willow?

The dragon willow usually grows as a shrub or small tree. Like other willows, it bears velvety flowers in spring, the pussy willows. Their pollen is an important food source for insects and bees. However, it is not possible to sow dragon willows.

How do I multiply the dragon willow?

Dragon willow is propagated with the help of so-called sticks. These are lignified shoots without leaves from the previous year. Cuttings (leafed and semi-lignified shoots) are just as unsuitable as older shoots that are difficult to root. Ideally, you should cut your sticks in autumn or winter during the break in vegetation. At this time, you can immediately make the regular pruning.

Propagation by cuttings

Cut some sticks about 20 centimeters long from leafless, already woody shoots. You are welcome to use the clippings from the winter pruning. Your sticks should have four to five eyes (buds). Mix equal parts sand and ordinary garden soil.

Now insert the sticks so deep into the soil-sand mixture that only the top bud can be seen. All others are in the substrate. The roots of your dragon willow should develop from these eyes. Alternatively, you can place your sticks in a container with water until the first tender roots have formed.

The higher the ambient temperature, the faster your cuttings will root. Cut off the tip just above the uppermost eye, then the dragon willow will grow several shoots and get a nice shape right from the start.

The essentials in brief:

  • Cut sticks 20 cm long
  • Ideally, prune wood on both sides, this promotes shoot formation
  • Be sure to insert the sticks into the ground the right way round
  • higher temperatures ensure faster rooting

tips

In a very mild winter, you can root your cuttings directly in the garden. It then takes a little longer for the first roots to form.

Category:

Trees