Willow shrubs are easy to propagate. Propagation is a great way to create more plants to share with friends or neighbors. You can make more plants to feature in a hedge or plant throughout your yard for a cohesive appearance. Some prior experience growing plants from cuttings is helpful, but not mandatory, for expanding your plant collection. Cuttings rooted in soil are often the easiest and most effective method to propagate Willow shrubs. Propagating Willow cuttings usually takes just over a month, with roots emerging in a few weeks.
Photo by peganum, cropped, Flickr, Copyright CC BY-SA 2.0
Methods To Propagate Willow
Growing some Willow cultivars from seed is possible, but the process is time-consuming and difficult. Many gardeners find success from cuttings. Willow cuttings are easy to root and require minimal care, making the entire process quick and simple. Softwood cuttings rooted in soil are often the easiest way to propagate Willow trees, but hardwood cuttings in late winter work well too.
What You Need To Propagate Willow
To propagate Willow, you need sharp, clean shears, a container with drainage that measures at least 4 inches across, potting soil, and a trowel. Willow cuttings can be soil propagated in water or a rich, moist, well-drained potting mix. Dampness helps the cutting set roots, but too much moisture can be counterproductive, so avoid soggy conditions and soil that retains moisture.
Photo by Andrew Milford
Best Time To Propagate Willow
Spring is the best time to take a softwood cutting from a Willow. Taking cuttings early in the season ensures you have time to start over if the first attempt does not work. An early start also ensures the plant will be ready to be transplanted into the ground well before the first frost, ensuring the shrub's health and success.
Steps To Propagate Willow
Step 1 - Select a softwood branch at least 8 inches long. Use clean, sharp shears to remove the cutting.
Step 2 - Remove leaves and buds from the cutting.
Step 3 - Fill a container with a rich, moist, well-drained potting mix. The container must have drainage.
Step 4 - Place the cut end of the branch in the soil.
Step 5 - Position the Willow cutting out of direct sunlight. The cutting will benefit from filtered sunlight, but direct sun is too harsh and drying.
Step 6 - Keep the soil damp and remove excess water from the saucer or cover pot.
Step 7 - Roots should grow in a few weeks. Transplant the cutting to a larger container or a suitable outdoor growing location when the roots grow through the holes in the container.
Photo by Elise de Korte
Caring For Young Willow Cuttings
Keep the cutting out of direct sunlight. Select a warm spot protected from cold temperatures and drafts. Keep the soil damp and water when the top layer of potting mix starts to dry. Propagation in water also works and makes it easy to see when roots form. Refresh the water every few days to prevent fungal growth.