Willows come in more than 300 different species. Some species are known for their beautiful catkins, which are also called “pussy willow” flowers. Other species have ornamental stems and attractive gray-green leaves. It’s the male plants that put on a show in spring, with pollen-laden catkins attracting early bees. However, some species are cultivated for their weeping habit, such as weeping willow, or contorted stems. There are many types of willows, from very big ones to small ones, so there is likely to be one that will work in almost any garden.
Willow trees are beloved for their graceful, flowing branches and rapid growth These easy-to-grow trees make great additions to landscapes, providing shade, beauty, and even useful materials for basketry and herbal medicine Luckily, propagating willow trees from cuttings is simple, inexpensive, and rewarding. With just a few basic supplies and a little know-how, you can grow an endless supply of willow trees to suit your needs.
When to Take Willow Cuttings
The best time to take willow cuttings is in late autumn or early winter when the plants have gone dormant. Look for shoots that grew during the previous summer – these will be pencil-thick and easy to snap off cleanly. The optimal cuttings will be between 8-12 inches long.
You can also take “softwood” cuttings from new green shoots in spring but these are less likely to form roots. For best results, stick with mature brown branches.
Gather Your Supplies
Rooting willow cuttings is incredibly easy but you’ll need a few basic supplies
- A sharp, clean pair of pruners or loppers for collecting cuttings
- Clear plastic bags or moist paper towels for storing cuttings
- Small pots or trays filled with a soilless potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Clear plastic cups or cloches for mini greenhouses
- Labels and marker
Select and Store Cuttings
Use your pruners to snip off live branches around 8-12 inches long. Cut just below a node or bud so there are a few buds on the cutting.
Place cuttings in plastic bags with a moist paper towel and store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. This mimics winter dormancy. Check periodically and remoisten the towel if needed.
Trim and Dip in Rooting Hormone
Before planting, examine your cuttings. Trim off any flower buds or damaged areas. Make a fresh cut at the base and dip the end in rooting hormone if desired. This stimulates root growth.
Stick Cuttings in Soilless Mix
Moisten your potting mix so it’s damp but not soggy. Poke holes with a pencil about 2 inches deep. Insert each cutting at least 1-2 inches deep, buds facing up. Firm the soil gently and water lightly.
Create a Mini Greenhouse
Place cuttings in a bright spot but out of direct sun. Cover each pot with an inverted plastic cup or cloche to create a greenhouse effect. This keeps humidity high so cuttings don’t dry out.
Water and Wait
Keep the soil moist but not flooded. Check under cup rims periodically and dump out excess water. Within 4-8 weeks, most cuttings will have rooted. Look for new growth as a sign of success.
Transition to the Garden
Once cuttings have leafed out, remove the cups and let them acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant into the garden after the last frost, being careful not to disturb the new roots. Water well and protect from harsh sun at first.
Ongoing Care
Remove any flower buds the first year so plants focus energy on establishment. Water regularly until well rooted. After establishment, willows are prolific growers and quite hardy. They can tolerate drought, floods, and poor soil quite well. Sit back and enjoy watching your new willow trees thrive!
With this easy technique, you can create tons of beautiful willows from branches that would otherwise go to waste. Willow cuttings readily root and grow with minimal care, making propagation a breeze. Get growing!
Growing willows: problem solving
Willows and salix can be prone to the large willow aphid. Even though this doesn’t hurt the plant, sooty mold can grow on the honeydew that the aphids leave behind, which looks bad. Willow can also succumb to honey fungus.
Where to grow willows
Willows grow best in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Some types like it when the soil is very wet and close to water, but you shouldn’t plant them near a house because the roots can get into drains and foundations.
Complete Guide on Propagating and Growing Willow Tree Cuttings START TO FINISH!
FAQ
Can you root willow cuttings in water?
Can you plant willow cuttings straight into the ground in winter?
How long to soak willow before planting?
How do you root a willow cutting?
Willow cuttings root rapidly when given warm, moist conditions. Here are some tips for quick and successful rooting: Dip the bottom 1-2 inches of each cutting in rooting hormone powder. The active ingredient indole-3-butyric acid stimulates faster root growth. Stick cuttings 2-3 inches deep in pots filled with moist potting soil.
Are willow cuttings easy to propagate?
Rooting Willow Cuttings Willow shrubs are one of the easiest plants to propagate. Learn all about rooting willow cuttings (Salix discolor) simply and inexpensively. Willow shrubs are one of the easiest plants to propagate. Learn all about rooting willow cuttings (Salix discolor) simply and inexpensively.
How do you propagate a willow tree from cuttings?
Using the proper methods to cut trees at the right time is key to propagating willow trees from cuttings. Follow these tips: Take cuttings from the fast-growing, one-year-old branches for the best rooting results. Older branches often turn hollow and rot rather than forming roots. The time of year influences rooting success.
What is the best rooting medium for willow cuttings?
Not using the correct rooting medium: Willow cuttings can be rooted in a variety of rooting mediums, including water, sand, and perlite. However, the best rooting medium for willow cuttings is a mixture of equal parts potting soil and perlite.