How to Grow Salix Integra - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Salix integra is a plant that is native to East Asia. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be up to 6 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are long and narrow, and they are a bright green color. The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they grow in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small, blackberry-like fruit.

How to Grow Salix Integra - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Japanese willow
  • Dwarf willow
  • Nana
  • Cascade willow
  • Pendula

Good to Know

  • Salix integra is a species of willow native to China.
  • It is a deciduous shrub or tree growing to 5–15 m tall.
  • The leaves are lanceolate, 5–15 cm long and 2–4 cm broad, with a sharply pointed apex.
  • The flowers are produced in catkins 5–10 cm long; flowering takes place in early spring before the leaves unfold.
  • The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous tiny seeds.
  • Salix integra is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions of the world.
  • It is also used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the garden tiger moth.
  • Salix integra is a Fast-growing plant.
  • It has a high water-retention capacity.
  • Salix integra can be propagated by cuttings or seed.

Related plant:
Salix Caprea

Planting Process

  1. For salix integra, first step is to find a soil that is moist, but well-draining.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Next, backfill the hole with the excavated soil, and gently tamp it down.
  4. Next, create a small mound in the center of the planting hole.
  5. Once the plant is in the hole, begin to backfill around the root ball, being sure to evenly space the soil as you go.
  6. Tamp down the soil gently as you fill in the hole.
  7. When the hole is filled, water the area well.
  8. For the next few weeks, water the plant regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  9. Once the plant is established, cut back on watering, and allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful new plant!

Related plant:
Salix Flamingo

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the willow tree (Salix integra) grows best in moist to wet soils that are rich in organic matter. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including floodplain soils, but it does not do well in dry, sandy soils.

About light

Not too different with other members of the Salix genus, the Salix integra tree requires a sunny location in order to thrive. In fact, it is one of the few willow species that can tolerate full sun. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the Salix integra to grow in would be a cool to moderate climate. This type of tree is native to areas such as North America, Europe, and Asia. It can tolerate cold winters and hot summers, but it grows best in cooler temperatures. It is important to ensure that the Salix integra receives enough water, as it is susceptible to drought.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. If the relative humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and wither. If the relative humidity exceeds 60%, the leaves will become yellow and start to drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant that comes to mind is some fast-growing, leafy green vegetable like lettuce or spinach. However, there are other plants that benefit greatly from being fertilized, including the Salix integra, or Japanese willow. This elegant shrub has bright green, lance-shaped leaves and produces small, yellow flowers in the spring. It can grow to be about 15 feet tall and wide, making it a perfect focal point for any garden. The Salix integra is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of most soils, but it does prefer to have moist, well-drained soil. It is also important to fertilize this plant regularly, especially during the growing season, in order to ensure that it remains healthy and vigorous.

About light

Pruning is an important aspect of plant care for the Salix integra, as it helps to promote growth and maintain the desired shape of the plant. While the plant can be left to grow naturally, regular pruning will help to keep it looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that are rubbing against one another.

About Propagating

Propagation of Salix integra is typically done by rooting cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and should be about 4-6 inches long. Cuttings can be taken from the tips of branches or from side branches. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting medium such as perlite, sand, or vermiculite. The rooting medium should be moistened and the cuttings should be placed in a plastic bag or covered container to retain humidity. Cuttings should be placed in a location with indirect light and good air circulation. After 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into pots or the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on young plants in growth chambers or greenhouse conditions. The average growth rate for these plants is about 2.5 cm/day. However, there is considerable variation in growth rates between different plant species and even between different clones of the same species. The maximum reported growth rate for salix integra is 4.5 cm/day.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, and scale. Leaf spot is caused by fungi and results in brown or black spots on the leaves. Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil and results in the roots of the plant rotting. Scale is caused by insects and results in the plant being covered in small white or brown bumps.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your Salix integra regularly, as it is a drought-sensitive species.
  • fertilize your Salix integra regularly to ensure optimal growth.
  • Place your Salix integra in an area of your garden that receives full sun.
  • Prune your Salix integra regularly to promote new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Protect your Salix integra from strong winds, as it is a relatively fragile plant.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if they appear.
  • Harvest the leaves of your Salix integra regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Propagate your Salix integra by taking cuttings from mature plants.
  • Divide your Salix integra clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
  • Enjoy the beautiful, fragrant flowers of your Salix integra in spring!

Similar Plants

  • Salix purpurea · Salix daphnoides — violet willow.
  • Salix miyabeana — Miyabe's willow.
  • Salix lasiandra — lanceleaf willow.
  • Salix — willow, sallow.
  • Salix eriocephala — willow-leaved leatherleaf sedge.
  • Salix boothii — Booth's willow.
  • Salix pentandra — laurel willow.
  • Salix petrophila — rock willow.
  • Salix striata — stript bark willow.
  • Salix brachycarpa — short-fruited willow.

Source:
Salix - Genus Page - ISB: Atlas of Florida Plants
Species Descriptions - Burke Herbarium Image Collection
Analysis of fading mechanism of salix integra dyed with reactive …

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