Species dragon's claw willow

dragon's claw willow

Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa'

The Dragon's Claw Willow is an ornamental species of willow tree with twisted, contorted branches. Its bark is a deep tan-gray color, and its small, narrow, glossy green leaves cast a light, attractive shade. Growing in a large mound, this species is ideal for providing an aesthetic element to any garden or landscape. The Dragon's Claw Willow is a hardy tree that is easy to maintain and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It adds a unique twist to any space, as its sculptural form creates an eye-catching and intricate silhouette. Its resilience to sun, drought, and pollution makes this tree an excellent addition to gardens, parks, and other outdoor landscaping.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Silver green Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Filtered shade, Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Fruits:

green,yellow Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Dragon's Claw Willow should be watered once per week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Do not let the soil dry out completely between watering. If the soil does dry out, thoroughly water the plant until moisture reaches the deepest part of the soil. During the growing season, water slightly more often (about twice per week). In winter, once a week is usually sufficient, unless the plant is in a very dry spot with inadequate air circulation or is growing in a container. Furthermore, misting of the leaves with water is a beneficial addition to the plant’s care.

sunlight

Dragon's claw willow (Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa') prefers bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. This plant species thrives in sunny locations where it receives plenty of light during the day. The ideal hours for this plant to receive the most direct sunlight is between 10 AM and 4 PM. The plant should be kept in areas that receive full sunlight throughout the day for best results.

pruning

Dragon's Claw Willow should be pruned in mid-summer, typically during late July or early August. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, as the shrubs are resilient and only require minor trimming each year. To start, remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches near the base of the shrub. This will help promote air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Next, thin out any overly dense areas by removing a few of the oldest, tallest stems. This will help give the plant a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing shape. With Dragon's Claw Willows, it's also important to isolate any shoots that have multiple branches near the base. This makes them less likely to break or be damaged in strong winds. Finally, it's a good idea to remove any branches that are competing with the main stem for dominance. Doing this should help the tree maintain its shape and keep it looking attractive.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Dragon's claw willow typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa' is in July and August.

Hardiness Map