How to Grow and Care for Corkscrew Willow

The corkscrew willow, also known as the curly willow, is a fast-growing but short-lived tree known for its kinked foliage that drops to expose bare, twisted, and contorted twigs, bringing winter interest to the landscape. A corkscrew willow thrives in temperate and cooler regions but does poorly in hot, humid climates. The tree requires full sun and any type of moist soil.

Corkscrew Willow Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a corkscrew willow tree.

• Plant the tree in a preferably sunny location though dappled sunlight is usually fine.
• Give the tree sufficient water to thrive, especially if the soil is naturally dry.
• Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch a couple of inches away from the base to maintain moisture and keep weeds down.
• Prune to remove dead branches and ensure good airflow.
  

Light

The tree is best planted in a sunny location. Corkscrew willow prefers full sun, though it will also grow in part shade to part sun.

Soil

Corkscrew willow isn't very particular about the soil type; it grows in clay, loamy, and sandy soil but it must be moist. The tree is equally adapted to a wide pH range, from acidic to alkaline (5.6-7.8).

Water

While corkscrew willow is more drought-tolerant than other willows, it does have special water needs. To cut down on frequent watering, plant it in a location where the soil is moist most of the time, such as in the lowest part of your garden, where water collects after it rains, or in a rain garden. If the soil isn't naturally moist, making sure that it gets sufficient water is the most important thing when taking care of the tree.

Temperature and Humidity

Corkscrew willow is a hardy tree that is well-adapted to cold temperatures. It does not fare as well in a hot, humid climate.

Fertilizer

When planted near or as part of a fertilized lawn, there is usually no need to fertilize the tree, unless the new growth seems weak. Feed the tree 1 cup of balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring when the growing season starts, which is enough to give it a boost.

Types of Corkscrew Willow

There are two willow cultivars with similarly twisted twigs:

• 'Golden Curls’: A naturally occurring cultivar that appears with more weeping, twisted golden twigs
• 'Scarlet Curls': A trademarked cultivar with golden twisted twigs that turn scarlet in the winter, as well as curly leaves

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring. When damaged or dead branches are pruned annually, the tree will stay healthy, let air and sunlight in, and make it less prone to insect damage.

Propagating Corkscrew Willow

The recommended method to propagate corkscrew willow is from hardwood cuttings when the tree is dormant, after the leaves have fallen in autumn and temperatures are consistently below 32 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Propagation from seeds is not advised, as it won't produce a tree true to type.

1. Take cuttings from the base of a mature tree. The cuttings should be all hardwood with no soft tissue and at least 2 feet long.
2. Make a straight cut at the base of the cutting below a bud, and a second, diagonal cut at around 9 inches, above a bud (you'll get two cuttings out of one piece).
3. Place cuttings directly into the soil with the straight cut down, about 4 inches deep in the ground. Mark the location well. A more controlled way of rooting the cuttings is to plant them in pots filled with potting mix, also 4 inches deep. Dipping the cuttings in rooting hormone is optional, as willow often roots on its own.
4. Keep the soil evenly moist. You should see new shoots in the spring. Let the saplings develop strong roots for at least one growing season before transplanting.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Corkscrew willow is susceptible to many pests and diseases but they don't necessarily endanger the tree. The most lasting pests are willow leaf beetles, which go through two generations per year. Adult beetles are metallic blue and eat the whole leaf. The black larvae they leave behind skeletonize the leaves. Typically, willow leaf beetles will not damage all the foliage and the tree will continue to thrive.

Aphids will cause honeydew to appear on lower leaves. Fortunately, predatory insects can deter such pests naturally. If the leaves begin to yellow, this could be a sign of lace bugs. These winged transparent insects are small and found under the leaves, which will turn yellow too early in the season.

Of the fungi that attacks corkscrew willow, powdery mildew is the most widely known. Another fungus is willow scab, which enters twigs and causes cankers, killing young leaves quickly. The fungus appears as olive green spores on the underside of leaves. Physalospora miyabeana is another fungus that attacks willow. Yellow spots under the leaves could be a sign of rust, which is another fungus.

To maintain the tree's health, prune infected branches as soon as you notice them. Rake up and remove diseased leaves at the end of every growing season to break the disease cycle.

Common Problems with Corkscrew Willow

The corkscrew willow requires little maintenance and you will only have a couple of problems to contend with if you plant this tree, the largest being its abbreviated lifespan. Watch for these issues.

Short Lifespan

The corkscrew willow is short-lived. Expect to replace it within 15 to 20 years. In ideal conditions, it might last 30 years.

Aggressive Roots

The roots of corkscrew willow grow close to the surface and can be quite aggressive. This is important to keep in mind when selecting a planting site. Do not plant the tree near structures, water drainage systems, or pipes.

Weak Wood

This tree's wood is weak and prone to mechanical damage and breakage. To protect the break, put a large circle of mulch around the tree to create a buffer so you don't damage the tree when trimming or mowing the grass.

Slightly Messy

Fuzzy pale yellow-green flowers (catkins) appear in early spring with the leaves. They turn into small light brown fuzzy capsules that contain many small fuzzy seeds that are dispersed by the wind. You may find them all over the yard, along with smaller broken branches and leaves that need to be picked up.

From: thespruce