Content
Willow Weeping Gnome is a low-growing tree with good decorative qualities. Before planting a plant on a site, you need to study its characteristics and requirements.
Origin
Weeping gnome (Plakutschii Gnom) is a hybrid variety developed by crossing white willow and lovely willow. The variety was obtained in the Urals by breeders I. Belyaeva and V. Shaburov.
Description and characteristics of the weeping gnome willow
The Weeping Gnome is an unusual willow variety that reaches only 2-3.5m in height when mature. It has a standard thin trunk up to 8 cm in diameter and numerous flexible drooping shoots. Annual branches are yellowish-brown in color, descending almost to the ground.
Willow Weeping Gnome has standard lanceolate leaves that reach 6-10 cm in length and about 4 cm in width. The color of the plates is rich green, slightly bluish in the lower part. Slight pubescence may be observed on the surface of willow leaves.When blooming, the plates are lighter, then gradually darken.
Willow Weeping Gnome spreads up to 2 m in diameter
At the end of April, the Weeping Gnome willow produces yellow “fluffy” catkins, emitting a pleasant, but rather weak aroma. Flowering occurs even before the leaves bloom, immediately after spring warming.
Winter hardiness of willow Weeping gnome
Weeping gnome is a fairly cold-resistant hybrid variety. A healthy mature tree can tolerate temperatures as low as -35 °C without shelter. Even if the willow’s above-ground shoots freeze in winter, it quickly recovers with the onset of spring.
In the southern regions of Russia, the Weeping Gnome, when grown, does not require the construction of a shelter with the arrival of autumn. In the middle zone, in the Urals and Siberia, the tree trunk needs to be insulated before the cold weather. It is also recommended to cover young willow seedlings along the crown.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The culture demonstrates good resistance to fungal diseases and pests. With moderate moisture and minimal care, willow does not suffer from rot and spotting.
Pests also do not pose a particular threat to the tree. In rare cases, the plant is affected by spider mites and caterpillars, but you can get rid of parasites using special chemicals.
What conditions does he prefer?
The Weeping Gnome variety develops well in lighted, moderately moist areas in the garden. The crop needs loamy or sandy loam soil with the addition of organic matter. The hybrid is not capricious and easily tolerates poor soil, although from time to time it is useful to supply the tree with complex minerals.
Advantages and disadvantages
Willow combines the advantages of both parent species. The plant is valued not only for its decorative appearance, but also for its endurance.
Pros:
- short stature;
- suitable for planting near bodies of water;
- gets along with other trees and shrubs;
- easily tolerates poor soil;
- does not suffer from diseases;
- withstands cold temperatures down to -35 °C.
Minuses:
- does not develop well in shady areas;
- requires watering in dry weather.
Landing rules
Willow Weeping Gnome tolerates planting well on the site in the spring after the soil has thawed. The algorithm looks like this:
- The selected area is dug up properly.
- Prepare a hole for the willow that is twice the size of the root system.
- Pour drainage and nutrient substrate into the hole with the addition of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.
- Lower the willow seedling in the center of the hole.
- Sprinkle with soil and water properly.
Before planting, willow roots can be soaked in water with the addition of Epin or Kornevin.
Features of care
The weeping gnome does not require complex care after planting. Attention should be paid to the following points:
- Watering. In rainy weather, willow does not need additional moisture. But during drought, the tree needs to be watered several times a week.
- Feeding. In the second year after planting, willow can be fertilized with phosphorus and potassium. It is recommended to do this only on very poor soil. In nutritious soil, the Weeping Gnome willow grows well without fertilizing.
- Loosening. From time to time, the soil in the tree trunk circle should be stirred, breaking up the hard crust on the surface.
In dry weather, willow can be sprayed along the crown. The procedure is performed in the evening.
Willow pruning Weeping gnome
The weeping gnome responds well to pruning - the crown of the tree becomes more luxuriant after it. Pruning is carried out in the spring before active sap flow begins. In the process, crooked, broken, diseased or too long shoots are removed. The main branch can be pruned as it grows to encourage the development of lateral shoots.
To make the weeping willow grow better, you can re-prun it in the fall for sanitary purposes.
Reproduction
There are several ways to propagate a tree on a site. Basically two methods are used:
- cuttings - in the spring, an annual shoot of a crop is cut off and rooted in a loose substrate, and after growth begins, it is transplanted to a permanent place;
- layering - a young lower branch is bent to the ground and dug in in the middle, and in the fall or next spring it is separated from the mother plant and replanted.
Willow can also be propagated by seeds. However, the method is rarely used due to low germination.
Diseases and pests
When grown on site, willow rarely suffers from fungi and parasites. But sometimes they harm her:
- brown spot - the disease leaves reddish spots of irregular shape on the leaves;
Willow suffers from brown spot usually in early July
- spider mite - a pest that entangles the shoots of a young plant in dry weather.
Simple sprays along the crown help against ticks
The best protection against diseases and insects is to follow agricultural practices when growing willow.
Willow Weeping Gnome in landscape design
Decorative trees in summer cottages are planted mainly next to artificial ponds and streams. Willow not only decorates the coastline, but also strengthens the slope with its roots.The tree can also be planted next to a bench or table in the garden to create pleasant shade.
The willow on the site coexists well with coniferous plants
Conclusion
Willow Weeping Gnome is a hardy miniature variety that combines decorativeness and unpretentiousness. The tree grows on almost any soil and does not require frequent fertilizing.
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