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The corkscrew willow in the tub looks very attractive with its twisted branches. As a free-standing tree, this willow species is only suitable for large gardens. A pot culture is an alternative for small gardens.

In a nutshell

  • actually a large shrub or tree
  • deciduous and hardy
  • more maintenance-intensive in the pot than outdoors
  • requires very large buckets
  • must be cut often

location

The corkscrew willow prefers a sunny spot. Protection from strong winds is also important, while an airy location ensures that the tree remains healthier.

Source: Photo by David J. Stang, Salix matsudana Tortuosa 10zz, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

substrate

Pastures are quite undemanding. A loamy soil is tolerated as well as a sandy one. The substrate should be permeable so that the tree does not stand in water. Sufficient nutrients are also necessary in the pot because the tree cannot take care of itself due to the limited space.

planting

This is how you succeed in planting the corkscrew willow in the bucket:

  • choose a large bucket right from the start
  • Capacity from 70 liters
  • ensure drainage
  • Cover existing holes with loose material to prevent soil from falling out
  • fill in enough substrate so that the tree is at the same depth as when you bought it
  • Take the tree out of its old pot, check the root ball
  • remove dried, dead or damaged roots
  • Place the tree in the middle of the bucket
  • add support if needed
  • Fill in the soil, especially between the roots, press down well
  • water vigorously
Corkscrew willow (pictured left) needs a very large pot or tub; 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

pour

While the tree takes care of itself in the field, it is absolutely dependent on a good water supply in the bucket. Daily watering is necessary on hot days. A mulch layer reduces evaporation and keeps the soil moist for longer.

Notice: Remove weeds growing in the pot in good time, they not only deprive the tree of water, but also of nutrients.

Fertilize

The corkscrew willow grows very quickly and therefore needs an even supply of nutrients. When planting, compost can already be mixed under the soil, later it is mulched or regularly fertilized with the right fertilizer directly over the irrigation water.

To cut

Pruning measures are essential for corkscrew willows in pots, otherwise they will quickly become too big. You don't have to be particularly careful, willows will quickly push through again.

  • Time: best in the cold season, but also possible at any other time of the year
  • especially remove old, diseased, damaged or dead branches
  • then thin out the tree to create a loose crown
  • Shorten branches so that they fit the bucket size

repot

Since the willow grows so quickly, it is necessary to repot it frequently. Usually in spring. However, it may make sense to repot them more frequently in the first few years. Signs of a too small pot:

  • Leaves droop or turn yellow (nutrient deficiency)
  • Tree does not continue to grow
  • Roots can be seen at the surface of the soil or grow over the edge of the pot

Repotting is done just like planting. Only a larger bucket is chosen.

diseases and pests

Disease often occurs when the tree is not well cared for. Too dense growth ensures that the leaves do not dry well after rain. Fungal diseases can develop.

  • willow scab (brown, dried leaves)
  • Marssonina mushrooms (withered shoot tips, growths in the wood)

Some pests also like to attack willow trees.

  • Willow borer (drills into the wood and lays eggs in it, larvae eat the wood)
  • Willow leaf beetle (eats the leaves)
Trunk with feeding passages of the larva of the musk beetle (Aromia moschata); Source: Wilhelm Zimmerling PAR, Ruhland, Lange Str. 10, corkscrew pasture, trunk with feeding tunnels, 04, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

propagation

The easiest way to propagate corkscrew willows is through cuttings. Use healthy shoots from pruning. Prune them before planting. Then just stick it in the ground and press it down firmly.

Notice: As an alternative, root the cuttings in a glass of water and then plant them.

frequently asked Questions

Can the willow survive in a pot in the long run?

It is actually difficult to successfully cultivate a corkscrew willow in a bucket over a long period of time. Frequent pruning is particularly important. If there are no larger pots left, the root must also be pruned.

Does the corkscrew willow need winter protection?

Not outdoors and not necessarily in pots either. But it doesn't hurt to place the pot on an insulating pad and wrap it with fleece.

How can a diseased corkscrew willow be saved?

Unless the entire tree is affected, pruning it back completely helps. The trunk is cut about a hand's breadth above the ground. If the tree is still vital enough, it will sprout again.

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Garden plants