mountain willow
Salix arbuscula
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
Greenish (red anthers) Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Mountain willow requires consistently moist soil for optimal growth, ideally in the range of 80%-90% moisture. It can tolerate drier periods, but if the soil becomes too dry the leaves may become wilted or scorched. To keep moisture levels consistent, it is best to water Mountain Willow every 2-3 days during the growing season and about once a week when the plant is dormant. The depth of water depends on the soil type and should be enough to reach the roots, but not to the point of sogginess. It is also important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root decay. Once a week, check the soil moisture levels and adjust the frequency of watering as necessary.
sunlight
Mountain willow (Salix arbuscula) is a sun-loving plant, requiring 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. To ensure enough sunlight for your plant, it is best to place it in a south- or west-facing location with no trees or buildings obstructing the sun. It is important to avoid over-exposure to the sun; prolonged periods of direct sunlight may damage the plant. To provide some shade, it can be placed beneath shade-providing elements like trees or fences. Additionally, the plant should not be moved frequently, as this can disrupt its growth.
pruning
Mountain willow (Salix arbuscula) should be pruned in late spring or early summer - either immediately after flowering or when it has reached its full size. Pruned at this time, the new growth will have time to fully mature before winter arrives. Depending on the size of the shrub, pruning should be done lightly, focusing on removing any dead or diseased branches and thinning out the crown for more even growth. If the shrub is large, it may need to be pruned back severely. Caution should be taken when pruning, though, as it is easy to over-prune a mountain willow.