The corkscrew willow tree , so called because its branches appear deform into wavy flesh as it matures , is a highly valued , tight - growing landscape Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that has a short life .
Corkscrew willow is known by the botanical nameSalix babylonicavar.pekinensis’Tortuosa ' , but some sites still refer to it under its previous species grant , Salix matsudana . extra vernacular name include dragon ’s claw willow , rattler willow , contorted willow tree and curly willow . Its USDA hardiness zones admit 5 to 8 .
About the Corkscrew Willow
A standout landscape painting deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , thecorkscrew willow ’s twisted branches are especially visible in late fall and winter after its leaves drop to disclose the bare branches .
It has a fast growth rate with a mature height of 20 to 40 feet with a spread of about 15 to 25 feet . Its leaves are about 3 to 6 inches long and somewhat curving . It raise cylindric flower clump called catkins .
If you want a weeping specimen , look at the cultivar Pendula .
As this tree grows sometime , its branches can conk out at the crotch , and its washy woods can lead off to sliver . It is also susceptible to disease and pests ; hence , this tree has a comparatively short life history , like many other fast - mature trees .
Its smart or dry out bow are effective in peak arrangements .
Planting and Basic Care
The bottle screw willowneeds slight upkeep once planted , but it has specific growing requirements .
Planting a Corkscrew Willow
The bottle screw willow tree prefer full sun and moist soil that is well - draining , although you’re able to found it in partial shade . It tolerates a mountain chain of soil types include Henry Clay , loam and gumption , and it can get in either acidulent or alkalic soil . However , it must have moist grime ; stave off overly dry areas .
hollow a golf hole twice the diam of the rootball at a astuteness the same as the rootball , keep up enough spacing from structures or other landscape elements to allow the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree full growth — at least 23 feet to adapt an eventual 25 - foot spread .
set the seedling or sapling in the hole at the same grade it was in its container . Backfill the pickle and then water thoroughly , maintaining even moisture until it is established .
Irrigation and Fertilization
Because this tree prefer soil on the wet side , ensure even irrigation during teetotal periods . fecundate each year with a balanced plant food , which will help the tree diagram withstand assaults by disease and pests .
Diseases and Pests
Unfortunately , this otherwise suitable Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is susceptible to multiple disease and insect pestis .
Tip
The dependable way to control diseases and blighter is to rake up fall leaf in the fall . During the growing time of year , a stressed willow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is susceptible to diseases and pests . In particular , desiccate circumstance can stress a willow tree , so if your area experiences very dry or live summer , be sure to mulch the tree and irrigate .
Diseases
The bottle screw willow tree is targeted by several disease , including powdery mildew , Jack spot , crown gall and black canker .
Insect Pests
As with many trees , aphidscan be a job . You ’ll notice honeydew melon deposits on lower leaves . Usually , no action is necessary because predatory insects often assure aphids .
This tree can also be place by thegypsy moth . A serious plague of this pest can defoliate a tree diagram , as the caterpillars are voracious eaters . you’re able to hose off egg masses or , if the infestation is severe , utilise the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis’Kurstaki ' ( Btk ) .
If the leafage come along mottled and yellow , lace bugsmight be the culprit . These insects feed on the underside of foliage , where you might see small , dark muck . Usually , healthy trees can fend off these hemipteran . If the damage becomes spartan , hose them off with a strong spray of urine or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural crude to the undersides of the leaves .
