Pekin willow
Salix matsudana · Salicaceae
📷 Montrealais at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around pekin willow and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Salix matsudana
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Form
- Tree
- Mature height
- 8 m
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April
- Hardiness
- Zone 5-9 (-15 to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Northern China
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
The Peking willow is thirsty: plant it near a water source or in permanently moist soil, otherwise its foliage becomes weak and turns gray. Regular summer watering is non-negotiable.
The common mistake
Gardeners place it in dry soil or pots thinking they can control it; it then withers quickly and produces little of that light foliage we love.
The pro's trick
Mulch generously in spring and keep the soil cool all year round.
Care
Exposure
The Peking willow thrives in full sun, which promotes vigorous growth and a harmonious shape. It tolerates semi-shaded situations but prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid overly dark spots that would slow its development.
Watering
This tree has significant water requirements, particularly during active growth periods. Keep the soil regularly moist without creating water stagnation. The first summers following planting require frequent watering to establish a good root system.
Soil
The Peking willow prefers deep, rich soils with good drainage and organic matter. It adapts well to slightly moist terrain and tolerates a wide range of pH levels. Enrich the soil with compost when planting.
Pruning and cutting
Pruning is carried out in winter outside frost periods, ideally in February-March. Clear the center of the tree and remove dead, crossing, or poorly positioned branches. This species tolerates pruning well, so you can regularly balance it to maintain an elegant shape.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins. Light fertilization is sufficient if the soil is enriched during planting. Excessive nitrogen applications promote overly vigorous growth at the expense of structure.
Diseases and pests
The Peking willow can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and anthracnose in prolonged humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation through airy pruning. Monitor the appearance of leaf spots and treat promptly if necessary.
Did you know?
The Peking willow is famous for its particularly graceful silhouette, notably its 'Tortuosa' variety with sinuous, interlacing branches. In China, this willow has featured for centuries in classical painting and poetry, a symbol of elegance and flexibility. Its common name evokes Peking (Beijing), reflecting its historical importance as a major ornamental species in Northern Asia.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- AspenPopulus tremula
- Goat willowSalix caprea
- Grey willowSalix cinerea
- White willowSalix alba
- Eared willowSalix aurita
- Creeping willowSalix repens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.