How to Grow and Care for Weeping Pussy Willow
Achieve a healthy, thriving Weeping Pussy Willow. Learn the key techniques required to maintain its elegant, weeping form and encourage abundant yearly catkins.
The Weeping Pussy Willow, Salix caprea ‘Pendula’, is a popular ornamental tree for gardens. Its appeal comes from a graceful, weeping form that provides structural interest throughout the year and its iconic fuzzy catkins. These soft, silvery tufts appear in late winter or early spring, often before the leaves emerge. This plant is a grafted variety, where the weeping branches are joined to the trunk of a standard pussy willow, creating its distinct shape.
Planting a Weeping Pussy Willow
Proper placement and planting are important for the long-term health of a Weeping Pussy Willow. This tree performs best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily encourages more robust growth and a greater abundance of the desirable catkins. Planting can be done in the spring or fall, giving the tree time to establish its root system before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
The soil for this willow should be consistently moist but also well-draining. It is adaptable to various soil textures, including clay, loam, and sandy types, as long as moisture levels are maintained. When preparing the planting site, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball but just as deep. Amending the backfill soil with compost can help enrich the ground and improve its structure.
The Weeping Pussy Willow has an aggressive, water-seeking root system. It is important to select a spot far away from underground infrastructure such as septic systems, sewer lines, water pipes, and building foundations to prevent future damage. Spacing the tree at least 15 feet away from any structures will provide adequate room for its roots and mature canopy to grow.
Watering and Fertilizing Needs
Consistent moisture is a primary requirement for a thriving Weeping Pussy Willow, as it is not a drought-tolerant plant. During its first few years in the garden, deep and regular watering helps the tree establish a strong root system. Mature trees also require steady moisture, especially during extended dry periods in the summer. A good method to check for watering needs is to feel the soil a few inches below the surface; if it is dry, it is time to water.
These willows are generally not heavy feeders and often do well without supplemental nutrients, especially if planted in rich soil. If the soil quality is poor, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be beneficial. This should be applied once in the early spring, just as new growth begins to appear. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the soft catkins. An alternative way to provide nutrients is by applying a layer of organic mulch, which also helps the soil retain moisture.
How to Prune a Weeping Pussy Willow
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a Weeping Pussy Willow, as it maintains the plant’s health and signature weeping form. The main reason for pruning is to encourage a flush of new growth, because the desirable catkins are produced on branches that grew in the previous year. It also serves to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The ideal time to perform this task is in late spring, immediately after the catkins have faded and before the tree has fully leafed out.
The pruning process involves two distinct goals. The first is to manage the long, cascading branches that form the “curtain” of the tree. These branches should be cut back significantly, leaving only a few buds on each stem. This type of hard pruning stimulates the growth of long, new weeping stems that will carry the following year’s catkins. This technique also preserves the compact, umbrella-like shape of the tree.
The second part of pruning focuses on the top of the trunk, often called the “knuckle” or graft point. From this area, it is common for shoots to grow upwards or for branches to become overly congested. Any branches that are growing straight up should be removed, as they detract from the weeping habit. You should also thin out any branches that are crossing or growing inward. Care should be taken to never cut below the graft union on the trunk, as this would remove the weeping portion of the tree entirely.
Common Weeping Pussy Willow Problems
Gardeners may occasionally encounter pests on their Weeping Pussy Willow. Aphids and scale insects are two common sap-sucking pests that can affect the tree. Aphids often cluster on new growth, while scale insects appear as small bumps on the stems. These pests can often be managed with applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Regular inspection helps in catching these issues early.
This tree can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases, particularly canker and powdery mildew. Canker diseases cause sunken, dead areas on branches and can lead to branch dieback. Powdery mildew appears as a white, dusty coating on the surface of the leaves. Pruning out and destroying affected branches can prevent the spread of canker, while thinning the canopy to improve air circulation helps reduce the incidence of powdery mildew.