Weeping Willow - Salix babylonica

Weeping Willow is a traditional ornamental plant that is a necessity for a more classical garden.

Plant Details - Weeping Willow

Family: Salicaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height:  30 - 40 ft.

Spread:  30 – 40 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Winter

Flower Color: Red

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance – Weeping Willow

Weeping Willow has long, draping branches with flowing green leaves. Branches hang downwards and gracefully reach the ground. Create a relaxing scene at your home or in your landscape.

Plant this statuesque tree near water, as in a pond or the edge of the stream, for a characteristically beautiful landscape. Images come to mind of sweeping, evocative pastoral scenes. Add to your garden to create a calming moment of tranquility.

Sunny days are a must! This tree requires full sun. Do not plant in shade; this plant can be susceptible to fungal issues that will proliferate in the shade.

This tree will thrive in moist, well draining soil. You can plant it in a variety of soils, including clay, sand, or loam.

This tree will get tiny flowers (catkins) that will bloom in winter. The catkins are yellow and will attract early pollinators.

After the initial planting and growing season, this is a low maintenance tree that will require little active maintenance. When first planted it will need plenty of water – this tree loves water! Make sure to water your tree during extended dry periods as well.

Prune damaged or diseased branches from your tree as it matures. Prune off any of the branches that begin to grow upwards instead of down to maintain the weeping habit.

Add a layer of compost or humus around the base of the tree to give more organic material. You can fertilize once a season with a balanced fertilizer, but applying fertilizer is not necessary to the growth of this plant.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Weeping Willow is a host plant for many butterflies, including the Viceroy Butterfly, Mourning Cloak Butterfly, and Tiger Swallowtail. Plant this tree to have them visit your garden.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Weeping Willows thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to maintain the soil's moistness. Prune in winter or early spring to release dead or damaged branches and maintain shape. Fertilize yearly in early spring with a proportional fertilizer for optimal growth.

Plant Reproduction

Weeping Willow spreads via wind-dispersed seeds and root suckers.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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