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Looking for more information on Salix (Weeping Pussy Willow)? Dry your tears and read on for more information about this enchanting little tree.
Salix Caprea ‘Pendula’ is a grafted pussy willow. The branches are grafted onto the top of the trunk, allowing them to trail down. Therefore, it is different from ungrafted Salix Caprea, which in the wild can grow much larger.
This tree goes by many names, such as Salix Caprea 'Kilmarnock', Kilmarnock Willow, Weeping Goat Willow, and Weeping Pussy Willow. The alternate name, 'Kilmarnock,' comes from the fact that it was first introduced into commerce in 1853 by Thomas Lang of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland.
Salix is a perennial tree. It consists of a solid trunk, with grafted stems. These stems are covered in silvery white catkins, which as they emerge, will give way to yellow stamens covered in pollen.
Once new shoots (green leaves) start emerging, branches should be cut back to within two inches of the stem, allowing new branches to develop for the following year. New branches will grow upright until they begin to hang down because of their length or weight.
Salix should be pruned annually. Without pruning, this plant can have ground covering effects. Salix may be pruned annually around June to maintain its compact appearance. When pruning, just be sure to trim only the trailing stems, without cutting the trunk.
Cutting the trunk may remove the graft. All wild upright growing shoots should be removed from the trunk, as well as any errant branches that may emerge below the graft.
The graceful weeping pussy willow is sometimes known as the tree of enchantment. Associated with everything feminine are dreams, intuition, feelings, magic, healing, and rejuvenation. The willow tree has been revered as a holy tree by poets, philosophers, and spiritual leaders due to the adaptability of its branches. The flexibility of the willow symbolizes resilience and encourages us to flow with life rather than oppose our emotions.
According to folklore, the willow possesses a magical power that can make wishes come true. To have your wish granted, you must first seek the willow's permission and articulate your desire.
Choose a flexible branch and tie a knot in it while expressing your wish. Once your wish comes true, come back and untie the knot. Don't forget to express your gratitude to the willow for your blessing.
When choosing your plant from a retailer, it’s best to find one that has a few open catkins and plenty of buds. Avoid plants that have excessively wet or dry soil.
Salix is a cold-hardy tree and is suitable to be grown outside in USDA zones 4-9. It prefers temperatures of -20 to +25ºC (-4 to +77ºF). The best time to plant your salix outside is in the early spring, after the last frost. Salix can be planted either directly in your garden, or a patio container. Salix plants prefer full sun to light shade.
Salix may be kept inside, but it will need plenty of bright light, regular watering, and room to grow (at least 3ftx3ft if pruned annually).
Salix should be kept well-watered, especially if being kept in its grower pot. It should not be allowed to dry out, even in winter months.
Choose a planting location that receives full to partial sunlight. Salix caprea is adaptable to various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Salix caprea typically does not require heavy fertilization. However, if the soil is poor or lacking in nutrients, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Salix Caprea Pendula requires a well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Coconut coir is used as a soil additive for salix when grown indoors as it helps promote drainage while keeping the soil lightly moist.Salix Caprea Pendula requires a well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Coconut coir is used as a soil additive for salix when grown indoors as it helps promote drainage while keeping the soil lightly moist.
Fertilizer may be added monthly during the growing season (April-September). A balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 is best.
Salix Caprea Pendula is a grafted willow and will grow to about 3ftx3ft if properly maintained.
Happy planting!