Origin
Salix 'Bowles Hybrid' is a hybrid willow tree that is a cross between Salix alba 'Chermesina' and Salix acutifolia. It was first raised by E. Bowles in England in the early 20th century.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bowles Hybrid willow, Bowles purple willow, or Bowles' purple osier.
Uses
Bowles Hybrid willow is widely used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. It's known for its purple, red-brown stems, which provide an attractive display during winter and early spring. The plant is also used for screening and hedgerows, and as a source of biomass for bioenergy production. Additionally, the wood of this plant is used for crafting as it's flexible and strong.
General Appearance
The Bowles hybrid willow is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10-15 feet and a spread of 6-10 feet. It has an upright growth habit with many slender, whip-like branches that will typically grow in a straight direction. The plant's bark is purple, red, or yellow-brown in color while its leaves are narrow, elliptic, and dark green. Bowles Hybrid willow produces small, yellowish-green flowers which are followed by silver-white catkins in early spring.
Light Requirements
The Salix 'Bowles hybrid' plant requires full sunlight to partial shade to grow optimally. Partial shade is necessary in areas with extremely high temperatures or strong winds to prevent water loss and damage.
Temperature Requirements
The Salix 'Bowles hybrid' plant prefers cool to moderate temperatures to thrive. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C but may not withstand extreme heat conditions. Ideally, the daytime temperature should be between 18-24°C, and the night temperature should not fall below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Salix 'Bowles hybrid' plant should be nutrient-rich and well-draining. A soil pH of 6.0-7.5 is optimal for its growth. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils as long as it is not water-logged or too sandy. Organo-mineral soils with a medium texture and good drainage are ideal. Adding well-rotted organic matter or compost can improve the soil structure, fertility, and water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Salix 'Bowles hybrid,' also known as Bowles' Golden Sallow, is a deciduous plant that can grow up to six meters in height and 3.5 meters in width. It is easy to cultivate and thrives in any well-drained soil that is moist and fertile. For the best results, plant in a sunny spot, although some shade will not harm the plant. When planting, space the plants about three meters apart.
Watering Needs
This plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry months. The soil must remain moist at all times, but it should not be waterlogged. You must water the plant deeply once a week, and more often during dry spells. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help conserve soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Salix 'Bowles hybrid' plant encourages the growth of lush, healthy foliage and better flowering. Begin fertilizing in the early spring, before new growth appears. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at a rate of about three ounces per square meter of soil. If the foliage appears yellow, this may indicate a lack of iron. An iron supplement can be added to the soil or sprayed on the leaves to correct this.
Pruning
Pruning the Salix 'Bowles hybrid' plant is essential to keep it looking tidy and neat, particularly if a dense, compact shape is desired. Regular pruning should be done in early spring, before new growth appears. Cut back any diseased, dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Remove any crossing or tangled branches that may rub against each other. This will help the plant to develop a strong framework that can support the weight of the foliage and keep it from getting too large.
Propagation of Salix 'Bowles hybrid'
Propagation of Salix 'Bowles hybrid' can be done using various methods, including:
Cuttings
Using cuttings is the most common method of propagating Salix 'Bowles hybrid'. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the early summer and hardwood cuttings in the winter. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with no signs of disease or pests.
The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, with at least two nodes. Cut the bottom at a 45-degree angle and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the base in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Water well and cover with plastic to maintain humidity. The cuttings should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Division
Another propagation method for Salix 'Bowles hybrid' is division. This is done in the early spring before new growth appears. The plant should be dug up and then divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and several shoots. Replant the divided sections into prepared soil and water well.
Seeds
Propagation of Salix 'Bowles hybrid' can also be done using seeds, although this method is less common. The plant produces catkins in the spring, which will eventually produce seed pods. The pods should be collected when they turn brown and split open. The seeds should be cleaned and stratified in the refrigerator for two months before planting. Plant the seeds in a mixture of sand and peat moss and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Regardless of the propagation method used, care should be taken to provide the plants with adequate water and nutrients as they establish themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Salix 'Bowles hybrid'
Salix 'Bowles hybrid' is generally considered to be a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, as with any plant, there are some common issues that may arise. Here are some tips on managing these potential problems:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases to affect Salix 'Bowles hybrid' is willow blight (Botryosphaeria dothidea). Symptoms include cankers on the branches and wilting of the foliage. To manage this, prune affected branches as soon as possible, making sure to cut the branch at least 6 inches below the diseased area. Be sure to sanitize your pruning equipment between cuts to prevent spreading the disease. In severe cases, a fungicide may be necessary.
Another disease that may affect this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this, remove affected foliage and improve air circulation by pruning surrounding branches. A fungicide may also be helpful in severe cases.
Pests
One pest that may affect Salix 'Bowles hybrid' is the willow sawfly (Nematus oligospilus). This pest lays its eggs on the underside of leaves, and the resulting larvae can devour foliage quickly. To manage this pest, handpick and remove any larvae you see. You can also introduce natural predators, such as lacewings and ladybugs, to the area.
Aphids are another pest that may affect this plant, typically appearing on the tips of new growth as clusters of small, soft-bodied insects. To manage this, you can use a strong blast of water to dislodge the aphids from the plant. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, or use an insecticidal soap.
By following these tips, you can help keep your Salix 'Bowles hybrid' healthy and free from common pests and diseases.
