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The corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa') with its unusual growth and bizarre silhouette is an eye-catcher in every garden, whether planted outdoors or in a container. To keep it that way, it is necessary to cut the corkscrew willow.

In a nutshell

  • grows up to 10 meters high
  • annual increase between 50 and 100 centimeters
  • regular pruning necessary
  • it stays in shape and prevents aging
  • optimal time from November to early March

Very fast growing

The Salix matsudana "Tortuosa" can reach an impressive height of between eight and twelve meters in just a few years. Their annual increase is between 50 and 100 centimeters under favorable conditions. In addition, the corkscrew willow is a flat rooter. The roots spread out in all directions in the shape of a plate in the top layer of earth and do not stop at any pipes or foundations. Other features of this imposing appearance are

  • often growing with multiple stems
  • curved, twisted and drooping branches
  • young shoots greenish and hairy, later grey
  • shimmering red in the sun
  • 5 to 10 cm long and twisted leaves
  • grey-white catkins in March to April

Over the years, corkscrew willows get more and more beautiful, but they also get bigger and bigger. The beautiful bizarre shape of the shrub or tree can quickly get out of shape. Furthermore, the willow tends to age, after 15 years at the latest the beautiful appearance is gone without pruning and the old branches become brittle. It is therefore advisable to cut a corkscrew willow at intervals. If only for the reason of restricting their growth somewhat and determining the size themselves.

Corkscrew Hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta')

Notice: Corkscrew willows are not really suitable for small gardens. Here should prefer to a slow-growing corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') can be used.

Optimum time

The perfect time to prune a corkscrew willow is between November and early March. The willow should already have lost all of its leaves by this point, because this is the only way it can be trimmed properly. It is not possible to cut specimens that still have leaves, as the branches are not clearly visible through the foliage. Furthermore, the following must be observed:

  • choose a dry and frost-free day
  • humid weather promotes fungal diseases and
  • wound healing is slow
  • avoid strong sunlight
  • fresh wounds can burn
  • Carry out pruning measures on overcast but rain-free days
Corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa') in winter

Notice: It should be noted that according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, pruning is not permitted from March 1st to September 31st to protect the breeding birds.

Cut right

Normally, an annual pruning is not absolutely necessary. In the garden itself, it would be sufficient to prune the corkscrew willow every 3 to 5 years. However, in order to keep the pasture small, it is advisable to thin out the crown annually and, if necessary, to carry out a slight pruning. This not only promotes growth, but also sprouting and health. The procedure is as follows

  • remove all diseased and dead shoots
  • The same applies to crossing branches and
  • branches growing steeply
  • remove all branches near the main stem close to the ground

After the crown has been thinned out, the healthy shoots can then be shortened to the desired growth height:

  • shorten old shoots by a third
  • up to half at most
  • old shoots recognizable by their dark bark
  • Do not completely remove healthy shoots
Corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa') on the left; Source: GT1976, 2022-05-13 (236) Salix matsudana tortuosa (chinese willow) and Syringa (lilac) at garden at Bichlhäusl in Frankenfels, Austria, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Between cuts, it's a good idea to step back a few steps to view the shape of the willow from all sides. This makes it possible to properly control the shape.

Notice: After five years, three or four of the oldest branches should grow for rejuvenation be removed completely.

pruning in the bucket

In order to keep the willow correspondingly small here, it is necessary to cut the corkscrew willow every two years - even better every year. The pruning can be radical here, only a sleeping eye has to remain in order to be able to drive out again. Pruning should be done in early spring, then repotting in fresh soil and, if necessary, in a larger container can take place immediately if necessary.

Note the cut

Suitable tools are required for cutting, such as

  • Secateurs for thin branches
  • Pruning saw for thick branches

These must be clean and sharp. Disinfect the devices with hot water or alcohol before and after each use. Furthermore, please note:

  • Hold branches at an angle when cutting
  • make straight, smooth cuts
  • Apply scissors just above leaf nodes or branches
  • Leaf nodes are thickenings on shoots
  • Do not squeeze shoots
Source: Photo by David J. Stang, Salix matsudana Tortuosa 10zz, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Notice: You can use the cut shoots for propagation. In a vase with water they root after a few weeks.

Radical cut in old age

In order to rejuvenate the pasture, a radical cut can be carried out with increasing age and senescence. This is usually the case after 15 years. All shoots are shortened to about ten centimeters above the ground or at the end of the trunk. An expulsion then takes place again without any problems.

Upbringing to the high trunk

As a rule, willow species grow rather bushy and with several trunks. The corkscrew willow can also be very easily grown into a standard. This requires a branching out of the branches. Start with the measure in the first year. However, experts recommend carrying out this increase over several years. Measures include:

  • remove all lower shoots on the main stem
  • leave no stubs
  • make a slight slanting cut
  • never in parallel
  • remove more and more branches every year
Source: AnRo0002, 20131201Corkscrew willow, edited from Plantopedia, CC0 1.0

The pruning is completed when the previously specified clearance height has been reached.

Notice: After pruning, spread a mulch layer of compost or horn shavings on the root disc and water regularly if it is dry for a long time.

frequently asked Questions

Is it absolutely necessary to cut the corkscrew willow?

No, not necessarily: it is recommended, however, so that the corkscrew willow retains its bizarre appearance. Without pruning measures, the beautifully closed crown gets out of shape after 15 years at the latest, slowly begins to age and the branches become brittle. Furthermore, the size can be regulated according to your own wishes by regularly pruning.

What care does the willow need in the garden or bucket?

Once the corkscrew willow has properly rooted itself in the garden, hardly any care is necessary. Regular watering is only necessary during longer periods of drought. Fertilizer should only be applied to very poor soil, as the pasture will grow rapidly by itself and get all the nutrients it needs from the soil. However, when kept in tubs, regular watering and fertilizer every 14 days are necessary.

What should the location for a corkscrew pasture look like?

Like all willows, this one does not make any special demands on the location. It grows on almost all types of soil. These only have to be able to store enough water during the summer months. However, no waterlogging should occur. A sunny to partially shaded location should be preferred. It also grows in the shade, but much more slowly there. Furthermore, due to the size, sufficient distance to neighbors and buildings must be maintained.

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Garden plants