Caring for tortuous willow: planting, watering, fertilizing. Caring for tortuous willow: planting, watering, fertilizing Growing conditions and care

Matsudana willow is light-loving and grows better in open areas, it is shade-tolerant and grows normally in partial shade.

Planting and care

The soil for planting Matsudana willow varies: sandy, swampy, not very fertile, gravelly.

Planting willow: the distance between plants in groups is from 2-4 m. The planting depth is 40 cm, and the speed of growth should be taken into account. It is better to replant matsudana willow before three years. Drainage from sand or crushed stone with a layer of 20 cm is required on heavy clay soils. In winter, the twisted and curved branches of the willow are orange and look great against the backdrop of white snow.

Willow Matsudana (Salix matsudana Koidz). A slender tree up to 10 m, with an openwork, wide-pyramidal crown, an even, low-running trunk. The shoots are straight, ascending, thin, young - slightly pubescent, yellowish-olive, later glabrous, brown. The leaves are narrow-lanceolate, up to 10 cm long, long-pointed, obtuse at the base. Earrings up to 2 cm, on long pubescent stalks, bloom along with the blossoming of leaves. Matsudana willow has an unusually decorative twisted (f. tortuosa) shape; with serpentine-curved, ascending, olive-green shoots. Sometimes you can find willow growing in the form of a low shrub with a wide pyramidal openwork crown.

In culture since 1925. Of no less interest for ornamental gardening is the hybrid of Matsuda willow and Babylonian willow (S. matsudana x S. babylonica), which looks like a tree with a weeping crown and yellowish-red flowing, serpentine-curved shoots.

Matsudana willow (Salix matsudana) will appeal to those who love unusual plants. Willow shoots are bizarrely curved, this is caused by the fact that as it grows, the thickening of the branches and trunks of this willow occurs unevenly. And its leaves curl into incomplete spirals.

Due to their high decorative qualities, the main and hybrid species and especially the convoluted form are one of the most interesting plants for landscaping. They can be used in single plantings and to create original landscape corners. Fantastically curved shoots of Matsudana willow are an excellent material for creating flower arrangements. The main species in culture since 1905.

Care: in hot weather, the moisture-loving matsudana willow, if it does not grow near bodies of water, is recommended to be watered and sprayed. Willow tolerates dry soils and tolerates spring flooding.

Young plantings are loosened in the spring to the depth of a spade, and then mulched with a layer of peat up to 5 cm. Dead branches are cut off, a crown and a trunk are formed. Remove very long shoots on the lower part of the trunk. Plants tolerate pruning well if they are not in a weeping form. Old specimens can be cut to the stump.

Buy Matsudana willow

You can buy Matsudana willow for planting in open ground from March to the end of November.

Matsudana willow propagation

Matsudana willow propagates: by seeds, cuttings, layering. Propagated by lignified cuttings. We cut off a branch and plant it in a loose one. wet soil. Regular watering, 100% rooting.

Even as a child, when I went fishing with my father, I noticed a willow - a tree of extraordinary beauty.

Sometimes we came across entire thickets of willows stretching along the entire coast, and sometimes the willow stood in splendid isolation - majestic and powerful. Years passed, but the dream of growing this beauty on my plot never left me.

Wonderful variety

I never got my own plot of land, but every summer I visit my friends’ dachas, who, at my request, were very happy to allocate a place for a willow tree. When I started collecting information, I realized that it was very difficult to choose just one. It turns out that there are more than 350 species of this plant in the world, of a wide variety of shapes and sizes. My choice fell on Matsuda's iwa (matsudanu).

This is a very ornamental plant. In nature, it reaches up to 13 m in height, but in our latitudes it grows no more than 3-3.5 m. The shoots are serpentine-curved, olive-green. This willow is unusual in that its branches tend to twist, giving the plant an unusual shape and charm. The unusual, narrow-lanceolate leaves, which twist into incomplete spirals, add even more decorative value. Matsudana blooms with small yellow inconspicuous flowers, collected in inflorescences-earrings.

Willow "from scratch"

Now there are a lot of nurseries that sell seedlings in containers, but I wanted to grow my own willow from scratch. I found a man who has a Matsuda willow growing, and with his permission, I cut a branch 20 cm long. This was in early spring, before the buds were opening. I chose a twig as thick as a pencil. Naturally, she was already lignified.

The soil was prepared with medium lightness - from sand, humus and turf soil. Although they write everywhere that the cutting takes root easily, I treated it with a root formation stimulator. I almost completely covered the twig with earth, leaving 5-7 cm above the surface of the earth with 3 buds. Capacity

covered it with a bag. This is necessary to maintain air humidity. After some time, the willow took root, which I was incredibly happy about. Gradually, the buds began to swell on the cuttings, and then small leaves began to hatch. After this, I removed the 2 lower buds, leaving only the upper one so that a powerful shoot could develop.

Planting willow in the ground

A place for planting willow was allocated near the house, on the sunny eastern side. I made a small planting hole, the size of the cutting. Having added leaf soil, humus and coarse sand to the hole, he watered the plant abundantly.

From that moment on, an exciting process began. I watched with great interest how every month, every year, the “baby” turned into an elegant “lady”. In the first summer, I watered the willow very generously, every 2 weeks. If it was hot, then more often. During the season I only fertilized 2 times: once with mineral fertilizer (scattered granules around the trunk and lightly dug in), the second time with organic fertilizer (mullein infusion). In subsequent years, I fertilized according to a schedule, starting in spring, when the buds woke up, then every month, alternating organic matter with mineral water.

Willow grows with a vengeance

During the first 2 years, my willow didn’t stretch much – apparently, it was growing its root system. But in the third year it began to grow with redoubled force, the branches acquired a graceful bend, and the crown became more luxuriant.

I did pruning every spring and summer. Willow tolerates it very well; after pruning, it only begins to branch better. To prevent the tree from stretching upward, I broke off the growing point.

In the first year, I insulated the willow with covering material for the winter. In subsequent years I did not cover it with anything, although I read that matsudana is not very winter-hardy. Nothing happened to my willow, even when one winter the frost was about -40°.

Now, 5 years later, my willow pleases with its beauty not only me, but also my friends, who are immensely grateful to me that I grew such beauty near their house. Even passers-by often stop near the site and admire it!

Below are other entries on the topic “Do-it-yourself cottage and garden”

The medium-sized, highly branched Matsudana willow tree grows in its natural environment in Japan, Korea, China, and Manchuria near the shores of lakes and rivers. Under natural conditions, it has a crown diameter of about 5 m, growing up to 8 m in height. The tree looks very impressive, thanks to its picturesque curved branches, which have the ability to wriggle strongly. In Japan, artists often depict these branches in paintings.

Looking at the photo of Matsudana willow, you can appreciate the beauty of the Japanese beauty. It fascinates with the swaying of its branches, attracts the eye, and calms, so it is suitable for the garden as a form of relaxation. Designers actively use the decorative properties of the plant when designing the landscape of personal plots, parks, gardens, and recreation areas.

External features of the Matsudana willow tree

Matsudana tortuous willow is a fast-growing tree or large shrub with a wide pyramidal crown with thin stems. Twisted branches with leaves form an original pattern inside the crown

The bright orange branches, twisted in spirals, hang down in a lush mass, giving the tree an exotic look. The elongated leaves also tend to curl into spirals.

Matsudana willow is always unique and inimitable, as the branches always curl differently. There are no absolutely identical trees. Showcasing fantastic beauty, the tree is especially pleasing to the eye during the flowering period. However, Matsudana willow is extraordinary at any time of year.

The tree grows quickly in places with fertile soil in lighted areas.

Iva Matsudana: planting and care

This versatile plant is easy to grow, as the tree thrives in both moist, alkaline, neutral soils and dry soils. Matsudana willow grows well near a house, in a public garden, on a personal plot, in a park, as it is not afraid of dust or gas contamination. It is resistant to excessive moisture and excessive soil compaction.

To simplify the process of planting a plant, it is better to buy a tree with a closed root system.

Landing. Seedlings in a container with the necessary fertilizers are planted in a planting hole. This will prevent damage to the root system. A mixture consisting of turf soil, sand, and leaf soil is first laid out in the hole. When planted, the tree quickly takes root.

Trimming. The tree tolerates molding pruning well. Heavily thickened willow is trimmed to create an attractive appearance and preserve decorativeness. The tangled branches make it impossible to see the twisted ornament of the spiral branches.

The trees grow freely until they reach a height of 1 m. After this, pruning begins. Young shoots are shortened by 15-20 cm. Buds that are directed upward or to the side are left. This is a wonderful tree for bonsai lovers.

Willow Matsudana Erythroflexuosa is used in a single planting near a pond, near a lawn as a solitary plant.

The tree is planted in the foreground in a group composition. Willow harmonizes perfectly with coniferous plants: pine, spruce, and also looks original against the background of a flower garden, junipers, and spherical thujas.

Fertilizers. For favorable development and growth, you should regularly feed the plant with organic vermiculture.

Matsudana willow needs abundant watering, timely weeding, and corrective pruning of branches. In spring, the soil around the Matsudana tortuosa willow should be periodically loosened, then mulched with peat.

Reproduction of willow in natural conditions is carried out by seeds.

Since Matsudana willow is an unpretentious tree, amateur gardeners will not have any particular difficulties caring for it. At home, gardeners prefer the vegetative method of cuttings.

Pests. An untreated tree can be damaged by the following pests: aphids, cutworms, lepidopteran caterpillars, spider mites, longhorned beetles, and fungal diseases. It is necessary to treat the plant with fungicides in a timely manner to protect the plant from pests and fungal infections.

Useful properties of the plant

Matsudana willow is not just a beautiful plant, but also a beneficial plant for human health:

• willow bark has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic effects;
• a broom made from willow branches and leaves is used in the bathhouse to treat gout and osteochondrosis;
• an infusion of willow branches is used for rinsing the mouth and in the treatment of skin diseases;
• tea made from fresh leaves relieves irritation and fatigue.

The plant will not only become a wonderful decoration for the garden plot, but will also protect the owner from negative energy.

Since the Matsudana willow is an unpretentious tree, gardeners and hobbyists will not have any particular difficulties caring for it

Iwa Matsudana in landscape design - video

Every gardener strives to decorate his plot, and one of the best options in this case would be to plant a willow tree. This is a very beautiful tree with a spreading crown. Dwarf varieties, as well as specimens with shoots of unusual shape, are especially popular among gardeners.

Perhaps the most beautiful of all types of this tree is the Babylonian willow. It is called so because it has serpentine-shaped leaves and branches that twist very effectively. The trees usually have a large, beautiful, weeping crown, formed by thin flexible branches hanging almost to the ground. This type of willow will be a wonderful decoration for any park, lawn or garden. The tree looks very good either standing alone or in a group. The twisting willow looks great near the water. The dense crown of the tree will provide a wonderful shelter from the sun on a hot day and will be an excellent backdrop for lawns of any design. The low-growing and spreading Sverdlovsk willow can be used to create a hedge or a shady alley.

Willow grows well near water. Therefore, if there is a lake or river on your site, it will always delight you and your guests with its appearance.

When starting planting, you should first dig a hole about 40x40 cm. Fertilizers are added to it: compost, peat, manure and, if the soil is heavy, sand.

Caring for such a tree is quite simple: the tortuous willow tolerates pruning easily, which allows you to adjust the shape and spreading of the crown. This plant is resistant to diseases and pests. In harsh climates, and even in mid-latitudes during cold winters, it can freeze to the ground level and even die. Therefore, the tree should be covered for the winter. If you want to purchase a more frost-resistant variety, then the Ural sinuous willow is perfect. This species looks spectacular all year round, as it has spiral-shaped shoots and twisted “curly” leaves. Such a plant can withstand severe frosts much better, and in the spring it will again delight with a thick crown.

Tortuous willow propagates by cuttings. To get a new tree, you need to take the branches, just dig them in and keep the soil moist. Willow usually forms roots quite quickly, and when it begins to grow, it can be transplanted to a permanent place.

When choosing, you should take into account that after two years such trees do not tolerate transplantation well. They lose their spreading nature and grow slowly. Willow should be planted to a depth of 10-15 cm. It is not afraid of deepening and easily produces adventitious roots. It is very important to water any willow well and abundantly. This rule is especially true for recently transplanted plants that have not yet had time to form a full-fledged root system.

There are many varieties and hybrid combinations of willows. The main contribution to the formation of a large number of varieties of these plants was made by the scientist-breeder Veniamin Ivanovich Shaburov. Among the huge variety of willows, every gardener will be able to choose a suitable specimen for himself and decorate his plot with this beautiful tree.

It grows quickly, is light-loving, sensitive to low temperatures, and demanding of soil fertility and moisture. Propagated by lignified cuttings.

It has an unusually decorative twisted (f. tortuosa) shape - with serpentine-curved, ascending, olive-green shoots, growing in the form of a low shrub with a wide pyramidal openwork crown. In culture since 1925. Of no less interest for ornamental gardening is hybrid of Matsuda willow and Babylonian willow(S. matsudana x S. babylonica), which has the appearance of a tree with a weeping crown and yellowish-red flowing, serpentine-curved shoots.

Due to their high decorative qualities, the main and hybrid species and especially convoluted form are one of the most interesting plants for landscaping. They can be used in single plantings and to create original landscape corners. Fantastically curved shoots are an excellent material for creating flower arrangements. The main species in culture since 1905.

Iva Matsudana - Salix matsudana Koidz. - a slender tree (sometimes up to 10-13m high) or shrub with an openwork, wide-pyramidal crown, an even, low-running trunk. The natural habitat of this exotic plant is China and Korea.

Willow branches and leaves

This willow will appeal to those who love unusual plants. It has an unusually decorative twisted (f. tortuosa) shape - with serpentine-curved, ascending, olive-green shoots. Even its leaves curl into incomplete spirals. Matsudana willow has a genetically inherent ability for its branches to twist, due to which the plant takes on a bizarre shape. This is due to the fact that as it grows, the thickening of the branches and trunks of this willow occurs unevenly.

Young thin shoots are slightly pubescent, yellowish-olive, later bare, brown. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, up to ten centimeters in length, long-pointed, obtuse at the base. Earrings up to two centimeters, on long pubescent legs, bloom along with the blossoming of the leaves.
It grows quickly, is light-loving, and demanding of soil fertility and moisture. Matsudana willow has fairly deep roots and easily copes with drought on its own.

Willow care

Matsudana willow may not withstand severe frosts, so it is recommended only for southern regions.

In central Russia, it is recommended to cover plants for the winter, since the branches of this type of willow can freeze slightly, but in the spring they quickly grow and by the end of summer they grow up to 2 meters, without losing their decorative properties. You can suggest pruning the stump after a frosty winter, even if the frosting of the shoots is higher

Willow planting

Matsudana willow is propagated by green cuttings in open ground for almost the entire growing season. When planting, it is advisable to choose a place protected from northern winds. Willow is considered a plant that expels evil spirits and removes damage.

It is unusually decorative with its intricately curved shoots, which are readily used not only by landscape designers (usually in single plantings), but also by arrangers in compositions of any style.

The bark of the branches is light yellow, the long, spiky foliage is an emerald hue.

from various Internet sources