Salix matsudana (s.babylonica var.pekinensis) 'TORTUOSA'

Dragon's claw willow called Tortuosa is possibly the most popular variety of this species. It produces upright, twisted branches which become pendent with age, creating a very romantic scenery, especially with an elegant bench under its wide canopy.

Tortuosa willow has deciduous, soft green, glossy, narrow leaves which exhibit similar twisting like the orange-red branches. Flowers are 4-5 cm long female catkins and are borne in mid spring. Plants grow moderately or fast into a naturally multi-stemmed tree or large shrub. It gets almost as wide as tall with age. If you can afford a tree of this size in your garden it will serve as a beautiful screening plant with small but lush foliage.

Willows will take almost any but too sandy soil, including heavy clay and wet. They are one of the few that can withstand transplantation in full vegetation if constantly watered. They like full sun or very light shade. Hardy to about -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 13-12-2016