The weeping willow tree is one of the most iconic and beautiful trees, known for its graceful, drooping branches and leaves that seem to cascade down like a waterfall. While the gorgeous foliage is reason enough to love this tree, many weeping willow varieties also produce stunning flowers, adding a pop of color and interest. In this article, we’ll explore the weeping willow’s flowers and how they complement this classic tree.
An Overview of Weeping Willow Flowers
Not all weeping willow trees produce flowers. The most common type of weeping willow, Salix babylonica, is valued for its pretty grayish-green leaves rather than its flowers. But a lot of other types and species of weeping willow do flower, usually in early spring before the leaves come out.
The flowers are produced in catkins, which are long, cylindrical flower clusters Catkins can range in color from yellow to red, opening up to release pollen to fertilize the tiny, inconspicuous female flowers Once pollinated, the female flowers develop into small capsules that split open to disperse cottony seeds carried by the wind.
While small in size, the flowers provide a pop of color and interest against the bare, gray branches in early spring. They also provide an early nectar source for pollinators like bees emerging from winter dormancy.
Popular Weeping Willow Varieties with Stunning Flowers
Here are some of the most popular weeping willow tree varieties that produce gorgeous flowers:
Salix × sepulcralis ‘Chrysocoma’ (Golden Weeping Willow)
This weeping willow cultivar has brilliant yellow catkins that light up the garden in early spring. The catkins emerge first, followed by fresh green foliage with a golden cast. The bright flowers contrast beautifully with the grayish bark.
Salix × pendulina ‘Elegantissima’ (Thurlow Weeping Willow)
This type of weeping willow has big, pretty red catkins in the early spring, making it one of the most showy willows. The red flowers really stand out against the gray branches that don’t have any leaves yet.
Salix alba ‘Tristis’ (Niobe Weeping Willow)
The Niobe willow is a classic weeping type with long branches that arch gracefully. It has bright yellow catkins in early spring that make the garden look nice.
Salix × sepulcralis ‘Chrysocoma’ (Golden Weeping Willow)
This type of weeping willow has bright yellow catkins that light up the garden in the spring. First the catkins come out, then the fresh green leaves with a golden tint. The bright flowers contrast beautifully with the grayish bark.
Salix matsudana ‘Pendula’ (Chinese Weeping Willow)
Native to China, this weeping willow bears attractive catkins that emerge pinkish-red but gradually fade to yellow. The fresh green, lacy foliage provides a nice contrast.
Growing and Caring for Weeping Willows
Weeping willows thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They grow fast when young, up to 8 feet per year, and can eventually reach heights of 30-50 feet with graceful, spreading canopies.
Prune weeping willows in early spring after flowering by removing any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning, which can ruin their natural shape. Weeping willows have aggressive roots that seek water, so plant them away from sidewalks, patios, and foundations.
While they are fast growers, weeping willows are short-lived trees, averaging 15-30 years. However, you can enjoy their stunning flowers and cascading branches for many years with proper care and ideal growing conditions. The graceful elegance of a weeping willow accented with colorful flowers is a beautiful addition to landscapes and gardens.
Best Flowering Weeping Trees
Weeping trees with pink or purple flowers are some of the most beautiful you can find. White flowers are also lovely. You’ll find lots of frilly white flowers on spring-blooming cherry trees, like Snow Fountains weeping cherry (Prunus Snofozam) with its graceful cascading branches. The tree also features an autumn display and coppery bark that lends winter interest. It also grows to 15 feet (5 m) tall.
If you need something even smaller, consider the pink flowering weeping tree Eastern redbud ‘Ruby Falls’ (Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’). It only grows to 6 feet tall (1. 8 m) but has a crown width of 4 feet (1. 2 m). It offers gorgeous pink flowers in spring, plus heart shaped leaves that blaze yellow in fall.
How to grow a Weeping Willow – Salix babylonica – Fast Growing Graceful Tree
FAQ
Is there a flowering weeping willow?
Flowers and Fruits: The Weeping Willow is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees.
What are the disadvantages of a weeping willow tree?
Should I Plant a Weeping Willow Tree?They Have an Invasive Root System. Weeping Willows Prefer the Sun. These Trees Have a Short Life Span. You’ll Have to Pick Up Twigs Frequently. They Are Prone to Disease and Insect Problems.
What tree looks like a weeping willow but has pink flowers?
Check out the Crimson Cascade Weeping Peach trees. Growth like a weeping willow with double pink flowers early spring followed by deep maroon foliage. Matures up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
How to tell if a willow tree is male or female?
Remember that only males make pollen, which is a simple way to tell if the catkin is male or female.