Content
Schwerin willow is one of the best trees to decorate the garden. It is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and the ability to grow well even in shady areas. It can be grown as a tree or shrub. You can learn about the timing, planting rules and practical care tips from this article.
Origin
Schwerin willow (Salix schwerinii) is one of the popular varieties obtained on the basis of the Ekaterinburg Botanical Garden (belongs to the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). Scientists A.A. Dyachenko took part in the work on the new variety. and Belyaeva I.V.
Before that, they bred about 40 hybrid representatives. Therefore, scientists were able to easily obtain a decorative and at the same time winter-hardy variety of a new crop that easily adapts even to unfavorable weather conditions.
The Schwerin willow variety has not yet been included in the Russian register of breeding achievements. However, it has been successfully tested in the Urals and other regions of Russia, including in the middle zone. Many gardeners have already appreciated the willow for its lush flowering, beautiful crown and low maintenance requirements.
Description and characteristics of Schwerin willow
Schwerin willow is a tree or tall shrub, reaching 10-12, less often 15 m. The shoots are long, thin, shoot upward and maintain a beautiful shape. Over the years they grow and begin to sag. But this does not spoil the appearance of the tree; on the contrary, it becomes as lush and attractive as possible.
If you grow the Schwerin willow as a bush, it tries to take up as much space as possible. It produces many dense branches that form a lush crown. It is not always symmetrical, but thanks to proper trimming it looks quite beautiful. Over time, willow shoots droop, like other varieties.
As a rule, the crown shape of the Schwerin tree is pyramidal. Depending on the characteristics of cultivation, willow can produce either one or several trunks. In the latter case, the total height does not exceed 6-7 m, but the crown itself becomes very spreading. The average annual growth rate is 50-60 cm, less often up to 1 m.
Annual shoots of Schwerin willow are thin and yellow-brown or olive-brown in color. Then they thicken, become covered with fluff, and at the age of 2-3 years they become brown. Over time, they lose their pubescence and are replaced by a small layer of wood.
Schwerin willow buds, like those of other trees, are divided into two types - vegetative and generative (flowering). The latter are larger and slightly pulled to the sides. Schwerin willow produces very narrow and long foliage, lanceolate in shape. It reaches 13-15, sometimes 20 cm in length, and only 5-7 mm in width.
Schwerin willow leaves are very long and narrow
The foliage color is contrasting. The outer side, facing the observer, is a rich green color that glistens a little in the sun, making the crown of the Schwerin willow look especially attractive.The inner side is lighter, even whitish, which is associated with dense pubescence. The edges of the leaf blades of the Schwerin willow are solid, not wavy, with a noticeable smooth taper at the tip. By autumn they turn yellow, so the tree remains beautiful until the leaves fall.
Schwerin willow blooms in mid-spring - from the last ten days of April until the end of May. Earrings are numerous, of typical shape and size. Schwerin willow is a dioecious plant, i.e. There are only one type of flowers on the tree - male or female. However, obtaining seeds is not required, so this feature has no practical significance.
Advantages and disadvantages
Willow Schwerin is an improved hybrid variety that has quite a few objective advantages. It is a winter-hardy crop that can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or single-stemmed tree. Thanks to its numerous foliage, willow remains decorative throughout the season until the second half of October.
Schwerin willow produces a very lush crown
Pros:
- different ways to use it in garden design;
- abundant flowering;
- low maintenance requirements;
- high winter hardiness;
- shade tolerance;
- immunity to common diseases;
- can be grown as a tree or as a shrub.
Minuses:
- the crop is demanding on soil composition;
- may suffer from aphids;
- Young plants can freeze slightly in frosty winters.
Landing rules
It is better to purchase Schwerin willow seedlings from nurseries.If the root system is closed, they can be planted in spring (from April), summer and autumn until mid-October. If the roots are open, planting begins in early spring, preferably before the buds begin to bloom.
Schwerin willow is generally unpretentious and takes root in different types of soil, but fertile loam with a loose structure and a slightly acidic or neutral reaction (pH = 6-7) is best suited for it. The soil is dug up in advance, compost (5-7 kg per square meter) or complex mineral fertilizer is added.
The process of planting Schwerin willow looks like this:
- Form several holes 60*60 cm with an interval of at least 3 m.
- Place a layer of small stones on the bottom.
- Spread the roots of the Schwerin willow seedling and plant it in the center.
- Cover with fertile soil and tamp down so that the root neck of the tree goes to a depth of 10-15 cm.
- Water with settled water and mulch after a few days.
Features of care
As already mentioned, caring for the Schwerin willow is not difficult. But in the first year she needs to pay special attention. So, young seedlings are watered weekly, spending two buckets of water. It is enough to water adult trees 2-3 times a month or less, depending on the rains.
After watering, periodically weeding and loosening of the willow tree trunk is carried out. To prevent weeds and maintain soil moisture, it is recommended to constantly maintain a layer of mulch.
Schwerin willow is responsive to fertilizers, but only in moderation. In mid-spring, the tree is given urea or ammonium nitrate (20 g per 10 l). At the beginning of summer, the willow can be fed with mullein infusion 1:10 or complex mineral fertilizer. For example, azofoska (50 g per 1 m2).
Even minimal care ensures rapid growth of Schwerin willow
Schwerin willow pruning
The crop does not require special pruning, but it is important to have time to carry out the first trimming after planting the seedling. The formation of the future crown begins already in the first year of life. After this, only clearly protruding willow shoots are removed as necessary. Every spring, before the buds swell, all old, dried out and diseased branches are cut off.
Diseases and pests
If you follow the watering norm and periodically feed the tree, the willow will not suffer from diseases. But do not rule out the invasion of aphids and other pests. They can be controlled by periodic treatments using insecticides:
- "Karbofos";
- "Colorado";
- "Match";
- "Inta-Vir".
After autumn pruning of Schwerin willow, it is recommended to remove plant debris as far as possible and carefully burn it. In early spring, it is advisable to treat the crown once with fungicides, for example, Maxim, Bordeaux mixture or Fundazol.
Willow Schwerina in garden landscape design
The tree looks beautiful in single plantings, especially in an open area. It grows best in full sun, although partial shade is also acceptable. Willow Schwerina will decorate a country pond, an alley, and will fit well into gardens made in the Japanese style. Willow can also be used in compositions with other shrubs and trees.
Several examples of the use of Schwerin willow in garden design are presented below:
- Planting in rows.
- The wicker “arch” is alive.
- Braid around the frame.
- Composition with low-growing plants.
- Single landing option.
Conclusion
Schwerin willow is a rather graceful tree.Its main advantage is its lush crown, as well as bendable, but at the same time strong branches. They can be used to create original vertical structures that will decorate any garden.
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