How to Grow and Care for Weeping willow

Weeping willow, also known as Babylon weeping willow, Chinese weeping willow, Mourning willow, Babylon willow

Weeping willow thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires ample space to grow due to its expansive root system, which seeks out water sources. It is crucial to provide weeping willow with a moist, well-drained soil environment, and regular watering is necessary for younger trees. Special attention should be given to its placement, avoiding proximity to septic systems or building foundations to prevent root intrusion.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Weeping willow

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Early spring, Mid spring
Hardiness Zones	4-9

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Varieties of Weeping willow

Weeping willow 'Chrysocoma'

The weeping willow 'Chrysocoma' combines both the vibrant color and weeping habit of its parent plants. Its parents are the Salix x fragilis f. vitellina and S. babylonica. A large weeping willow with a curtain of golden-green foliage, the weeping willow 'Chrysocoma' offers visual interest to wetland areas throughout the year.

Corkscrew willow

Corkscrew willow is a willow tree known for its contorted and twisted branches that form stunning spiral shapes. The narrow leaves also come out twisted. It is a cultivar of Salix babylonica, named from the Italian word "tortuosa," which means winding. Gardeners plant this tree for its amazing winter ornamental appeal.

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More General Info About Weeping willow

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Weeping willow is a striking deciduous tree reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) and a similar spread. Its notable characteristic is the weeping habit, with branches cascading towards the ground from a rounded crown. The bark is grayish, deeply furrowed, and branches display a reddish to yellowish-brown hue. Serrated, lance-shaped leaves measure up to a light green hue on top and feature a glaucous underside. Springtime reveals separate male and female catkins; the male being more prominent with a length of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). Seed capsules mature by early summer, dispersing cottony seeds.