Overview
Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. is a deciduous shrub or tree that typically grows up to a maximum height of 7 meters. It belongs to the family Salicaceae and is native to Europe and Asia.
Common Names
Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda is commonly referred to as the Grey-leaf willow or Caucasian willow.
Appearance
The Grey-leaf willow has narrow, elongated leaves that are up to 10cm long and 1.5cm wide. These leaves have a greyish-green color and a pointed end. The tree produces drooping catkins, which are up to 10cm long, and appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. The bark is grey and smooth, and the branches are flexible and pendulous.
Uses
The wood of Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda is very flexible and is used for making baskets, furniture, and as a woodland tree for erosion control. It is also used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and pendulous branches. Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fevers, headaches, and inflammation.
Light Requirements
The Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. is commonly found in open and sunny areas such as along river banks and in wet meadows. As such, it needs plenty of direct sunlight to thrive and grow.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to cold regions, and hence can withstand cold conditions. It grows well in areas with an average annual temperature of 8-14°C and can survive down to -34°C. However, it does not thrive in warmer regions.
Soil Requirements
The Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. prefers soils that are moist, slightly acidic, and well-drained. Some of the ideal soils it can grow in are sandy or loamy soils, with a pH of between 5.0 and 7.5. In addition, the plant can grow in soils with a high clay content, especially if they are well-drained.
Cultivation Methods
Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined., commonly known as the White Willow or Pendulous Willow, is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers to grow in full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade. This plant is suitable for cultivation in temperate climates, and it is generally recommended to plant in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed. Planting in well-draining soil is important for the health and growth of the plant.
Watering Needs
Watering the Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. plant is essential to ensure its proper growth. This plant requires regular watering. However, it is important not to overwater as the roots can rot if they sit in water for an extended period. During the hot summer months, it may be necessary to water the plant every day. Conversely, during the winter months, the plant requires less water, and it is advisable to let the soil dry out between watering.
Fertilization
The Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. plant requires fertilization to help it grow optimally. Fertilization should be carried out in the early spring, with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilize again during the growing season, usually between May and June, to boost the plant's growth and health. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth, which can make the tree susceptible to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Pruning Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. is essential for maintaining the tree's health and shape. Pruning should be carried out during the winter dormant season, as it is easier to see the tree's structure without leaves. It is important not to over-prune the tree, as it can impair its growth and health. Only prune off dead or dying branches, or those that are growing at an awkward angle.
Propagation of Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined.
There are several methods of propagation for Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined., including:
Seed
Propagation from seed is possible but not commonly used due to the difficulty of collecting seed from female plants and the low germination rate. If collecting seed from the plant, it should be done when it is fully mature, and the capsules are about to split. The collected seed can be stored in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Before planting, the seeds should be stratified to mimic the natural conditions of the plant by moistening, then placing in a refrigerator for several weeks at +4 to +5°C. They should be sown in a potting mix and placed in a greenhouse set around +20°C. Seedlings should start to emerge in 3-4 weeks, and they should be fertilized regularly until planting outdoors.
Cuttings
Propagation from cuttings is the preferred method. Collect semi-hardwood cuttings around 20-25 cm long from the parent plant's new growth in late spring to early summer, ensuring they are free of pests and disease. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a potting mix and should be kept in a high humidity environment, ideal temperatures between +15 to +25°C with bright but indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, they should have developed roots, and the plant can then be moved to the next stage of its young life. The plant should be transplanted into a larger container with a standard potting mix to grow further before planting outdoors.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that has been used to propagate Salix pendulina. It involves joining a scion of the plant (the desired variety) with a rootstock from a different plant of the same genus (Salix). This method is beneficial in that it allows more control over the new plant's characteristics and can produce uniform offspring, but it is a more difficult process. It is typically conducted in late winter or early spring, in which the plants have not yet started growing.
Disease Management
Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. is susceptible to several diseases that can cause stunted growth, yellowing or wilting of leaves, and even death of the plant. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause small, brown spots on the leaves. Over time, these spots can merge and cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and prune any branches that appear to be infected. Apply a fungicide spray to help prevent further infection.
Willow blight
Willow blight is a bacterial disease that can cause cankers to form on the branches and stems. These cankers can cause dieback or even death of the entire plant. To manage willow blight, remove infected branches and stems. Avoid overhead watering and prune the plant to promote good airflow. Applying a copper-based fungicide may also help to prevent further infection.
Pest Management
Salix pendulina Wenderoth var. blanda (Anderss.) Meikle ex auct. ined. can also be susceptible to pests that can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause wilting and distorted growth of the plant. They also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew that can attract other pests and cause sooty mold to form on the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the leaves. You can also apply an insecticidal soap or oil to help control their population.
Willow sawflies
Willow sawflies are caterpillar-like insects that can cause defoliation of the plant. They feed on the leaves and can quickly cause significant damage to the plant. To manage sawflies, handpick the larvae off the leaves or apply a Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray to control their population.
