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Decorative low-growing willow
In gardening, willow is used as a decoration. The dwarf species of this tree grows slowly, so it is grown at home. The decorative willow will become a real decoration of the garden or yard.
Varieties of undersized decorative willow
Willow is common in nature. Shrubs interbreed without problems, which allows gardeners to get new varieties.
The ornamental willow is so small that it is even grown in a pot.
The most common types are:
- Mesh. This decorative tree has small shoots, no more than 30 cm in height, as well as beautiful wrinkled leaves. There are earrings on the bare leg. By the end of flowering, male catkins grow up to 2,5 cm, female – up to 3 cm. Such a willow grows well in a lighted area with moist soil. The earth loves alkaline, but it grows well on acidic soil.
- Creeping. The shrub spreads along the ground, has shoots up to 40 cm. Any soil is suitable for planting it. It grows in both dry and damp places. From below, the leaves are egg-shaped, from above – oval and elongated. Blooms for a long time.
- Arctic. It is a creeping type of shrub. Some of its shoots grow up to 1 m. At the base, the leaves are narrow, rounded on top. Such a willow is unpretentious in care.
- Shaggy. Reaches a height of no more than 1 m. Shoots are thick, yellow-green. Green leaves have white pubescence, which makes them appear blue. Does not tolerate waterlogged soil and strong wind. It grows slowly.
Breeding work on dwarf willows is ongoing, so new species do not stop appearing.
How to plant and care for a willow
Dwarf willow types are propagated by cuttings or seedlings. Rooted in water or wet sand. After 10 days, roots will appear on the cuttings, which are planted in the soil. Planted in winter and spring.
The composition of the soil is unimportant. To preserve the beautiful appearance of the shrub, you still have to feed it with fertilizers several times a season. The seedling must have a well-developed root system. The size of the landing pit is 50 * 50. After planting a seedling in the soil, you need to water it.
It is not difficult to care for the shrub. In the summer, you need to water the tree every 3 days. It tolerates winter perfectly, so there is no need to cover it. In the spring, the soil is loosened by adding fertilizer.
Willow responds well to feeding. It is brought in throughout the season, depending on the variety.
To add decorative effect, the crown should be trimmed. The first haircut is carried out several years after planting. Pruned when the branches exceed a height of 1 m.
As you can see, caring for a dwarf willow is simple. When you see a photo of a decorative willow, you immediately want to grow it at home.