The harlequin willow is ideal for hobby gardeners to try out different pruning techniques. It grows quickly and is particularly pruning-tolerant. If a cut is not successful in the harlequin willow, it can also tolerate a radical pruning.

In a nutshell

  • Prune harlequin willow in spring
  • Radical cut to a length of approx. 10 cm
  • always use clean cutting tools
  • Always dispose of diseased shoots in the residual waste

time

The ideal time for a radical pruning of a harlequin willow (Salix integra) is in spring, even before the buds have opened. Make sure that no frost is announced, because with a fresh cut the tissue deep inside can die.

In the spring, a radical pruning is ideal, as this stimulates the willow to sprout vigorously. In just a few weeks, the willow in the garden will be an eye-catcher again with lots of fresh shoots.

Notice: Never cut the willow in autumn or winter, as the risk of frost damage is too great. In summer, you should only make smaller topiary cuts, as the fabric can dry out deep inside.

Pruning the shrub

The shrub form is the easiest way to train the willow. The pruning is done just above the ground and it has the advantage that you do not have to take care to remove special shoots such as bare branches for the time being.

Instructions for pruning:

  • Clean the cutting tool
  • Cut off the willow approx. 10 - 15 cm above the ground
  • Remove leaf debris from the fall
  • if the shrub is too dense, cut individual branches directly above the ground

Cut back the high trunk

Cutting a harlequin willow radically as a standard is a bit more complex. Preserving the shape is particularly important here so that the high stem still looks attractive later on.

Instructions for pruning high stems:

  • Clean the cutting tool
  • Shorten shoots to 10 cm
  • Terminal bud must be on the outside
  • at least 4 buds must remain
  • Completely remove and dispose of sick and dead shoots
  • Completely remove shoots that are too dense or crossing

No stubs should be left at the base of the tall stem. Remove any remaining stubs with a gardening knife, as they usually only develop stunted and weak shoots that spoil the look.

Pruning of potted plants

With a harlequin willow in the tub, a radical pruning is particularly important because it can promote the health of the plants. In this form of culture, the crown is always to be seen in relation to the root ball. If the root ball is small, the crown should also be small, otherwise the plant cannot be adequately supplied, resulting in stunted growth.

When pruning potted plants, you should therefore never proceed timidly and always shorten the shoots to the minimum length. It also helps the plants if you generally thin out the crown during radical pruning. As a rule, the plants only develop as many new shoots as they can take care of.

Tip: Repot the harlequin willow in spring. Also trim the roots by removing old and thick roots, which encourages the formation of fine hair roots.

Cut back as cuttings

If you are about to give your harlequin willow a radical pruning, then this is the ideal time to collect cuttings for propagation. Willow can be easily avoided by cuttings. However, the sticks should always be healthy shoots.

Instructions for obtaining sticks:

  • use annual shoots
  • Base should not be too woody
  • Shoot length approx. 15 cm
  • at least 2 eyes must be in the ground
  • Cut the base at an angle
  • Stick cuttings directly into the ground

The willows usually take root quickly. You can transplant the young plants as early as autumn. However, do not subject them to radical pruning in the first few years, even if you want to make a topiary out of the young plants.

However, it is advisable to repot the willows again and again for the first two to three years and then to trim the roots regularly. This leads to better root growth, which also makes the harlequin willow more tolerant of pruning later on.

frequently asked Questions

When is a shape cut possible?

From the third year in the garden, a topiary of the harlequin willow is possible. Topiary cutting may require radical trimming of some areas to better show off the desired shape.

Can a radical cut be carried out in the case of pest or disease infestation?

Yes, especially if the harlequin willow has been attacked by rust fungi, a strong pruning is recommended even after the ideal pruning time. Depending on the season, you should protect the pasture from frost in autumn and water it more closely to the ground in summer so that the plant can recover quickly.

Are radical cuts necessary for harlequin willows as hedges?

No, in the case of hedges, the harlequin willow should only be subjected to a radical cut in exceptional cases. It is sufficient if you shorten the pasture by two thirds every two years. This ensures that it offers good privacy as a hedge and forms strong new shoots again.

Which tool is needed for the pruning?

You should have at least one pair of pruning shears and pruning shears available for pruning. Older trees may also require the use of a saw. If you cut back in late spring, larger wounds should be closed with a suitable wound closure so that fungi and bacteria cannot easily penetrate through the cut.

Category:

Garden plants