Willows are lovely ornamental shrubs with colorful foliage and bark. They also boast unique springtime flowers, which often bloom early and are one of the first signs of spring. Willows have flowers known as catkins, and many cultivars bloom before the foliage emerges.
It’s always disappointing when a flowering plant doesn’t bloom, especially a showy springtime bloomer. Willows bloom once in the spring, so if your shrub doesn’t bloom, the blooms will not show up late in the season. A few common issues prevent a Willow from blooming, and they are all easy to fix.
Common Reasons Why Willow Isn’t Blooming
Lack of sunlight is the most common reason a Willow does not bloom. These plants crave full sunlight, and while they can live in partial light, they do not grow as big or set as many flowers in low light levels. Select a planting location that receives at least six hours of sunlight. Transplant a Willow that does not receive enough sunlight to a sunnier position, or prune nearby plants that obstruct light.
Willow shrubs need rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH. Poor soil that dries out quickly may inhibit growth and prevent the plant from flowering. Test the soil pH and nutrient levels and work organic matter into the soil as needed. Potted Willow plants may not bloom if they are rootbound. Inspect the plant and upgrade to a container that measures two inches larger if the Willow is too tight in the current pot.
Pruning Willow To Help It Bloom
Overgrown plants may fail to bloom because older branches are blocking the interior’s access to sunlight. Prune Willow shrubs in late winter to early spring while the plant is still dormant. Remove crossed branches and up to one third of older branches. Create a vase form. Removing the overgrowth will encourage the plant to set buds and direct energy into new growth and flower production.
Fertilizing Willow To Help It Bloom
Willows grow well without much added nutrition, but plants grown in poor-quality soil benefit from fertilization and a layer of organic mulch. Fertilize a Willow that does not bloom in early spring to encourage the plant to set buds. High-nitrogen fertilizers are often recommended for Willows with ornamental leaves because they promote foliage growth. Increased nitrogen promotes foliage but may reduce or prevent flower production. Encourage your Willow to bloom by applying a balanced fertilizer to help with flowers and greenery.
Get Willow To Produce More Blooms
Encourage your Willow to produce abundant flowers by increasing its access sunlight; relocate the shrub to a sunny area or trim nearby shrubs and trees blocking the sunlight. Keep up with pruning so the shrub is not leggy or straggly. Fertilize Willows in lean soil, but be aware of the product you use. A shrub that is not blooming may be receiving too much nitrogen.
Why Willow Isn’t Blooming
- The shrub needs more sunlight
- Soil pH is outside of 5.6 to 7.8
- The plant is underfed and needs fertilizer, or it needs less nitrogen
- The Willow is overgrown and needs to be pruned