The Golden Curls Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Golden Curls’) is a striking ornamental tree or shrub known for its unique, curly golden-yellow foliage and graceful, weeping growth habit. It’s often used in landscapes for its distinctive aesthetic appeal, and it is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here’s a comprehensive care guide to help you grow and maintain this beautiful tree:

1. Overview of Golden Curls Willow

The Golden Curls Willow is a cultivar of the Chinese Willow (Salix matsudana), which is native to China and Japan. It is valued for its twisted, curly branches and golden-yellow leaves, particularly during the spring and early summer months. Over time, the tree can reach a height of 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters), and it can spread about 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) wide, making it a great choice for smaller yards or as a specimen plant. It has a weeping habit, with branches that droop gently toward the ground, creating an elegant, cascading look.

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The plant is deciduous, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall, but the striking twist of the branches and the vibrant yellow color will remain for much of the year.

2. Planting Golden Curls Willow

Golden Curls Willows are fairly easy to grow, but there are a few important considerations to ensure they thrive.

When to Plant:

• Spring or Fall Planting: The best time to plant Golden Curls Willow is in either the spring or early fall. Spring planting allows the tree to establish its roots before the heat of summer, while fall planting gives it time to grow before winter.

Where to Plant:

• Sunlight: Golden Curls Willow prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. Full sun ensures the most vibrant color in the leaves and promotes healthy growth.
• Soil: It grows best in moist, well-drained soil. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. While the tree is adaptable to different soil types, it thrives in loamy or sandy soil.
• Space: Golden Curls Willow should be planted in a location with plenty of space for its spreading growth. Although it’s not a huge tree, it does need room to grow both vertically and horizontally.

Planting Process:

1. Prepare the Site: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to allow for easy root expansion.
2. Planting: Place the Golden Curls Willow in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with a mixture of native soil and compost or organic matter to ensure proper drainage.
3. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and to ensure good soil-to-root contact. Keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged) during the establishment period.

3. Caring for Golden Curls Willow

Golden Curls Willow is relatively low-maintenance, but to keep it healthy and looking its best, there are a few essential care steps to follow.

Watering:

• Golden Curls Willow loves water and is best suited for moist conditions. Regular watering is essential, especially in the first few years after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist, but ensure it is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. Once established, it can tolerate brief dry periods, but will still prefer consistent moisture.
• During periods of heavy drought, deep watering once or twice a week may be necessary to keep the tree happy.

Fertilizing:

• Willow trees are not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins. Use a fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10) for best results.
• If you have very poor or nutrient-deficient soil, you can add organic compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the tree to improve soil quality.

Pruning:

• Shape and Size Control: Golden Curls Willow is naturally a weeping tree, but pruning can help maintain its shape and size. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote better air circulation and a healthier plant.
• Maintenance Pruning: If you want to maintain a compact size, you can also trim back any long, unruly branches during the growing season. This will help prevent the tree from becoming too large for the space you’ve allocated for it.
• Cutting Back: If you wish to encourage the plant to grow thicker and denser, you can prune back the branches by one-third every few years.

Mulching:

• Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds from growing. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.

4. Pests and Diseases

Golden Curls Willow is a fairly hardy tree but can sometimes be affected by pests or diseases. The most common issues include:

Pests:

• Aphids: Aphids are common pests that feed on the sap of the plant and can lead to distorted leaves. If you notice a sticky residue (honeydew) on your tree or surrounding plants, aphids might be present. You can wash them off with a stream of water or treat the tree with insecticidal soap.
• Willow Leaf Beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves and may cause them to appear ragged. You can remove the beetles by hand or use a neem oil solution to deter them.
• Caterpillars: Certain types of caterpillars, like the tent caterpillar, may cause damage to the foliage. Remove caterpillars by hand or use an appropriate insecticide if necessary.

Diseases:

• Canker Diseases: Willow trees, including Golden Curls, can sometimes develop cankers, which are fungal infections that appear as sunken, dead areas on the bark. Prune away any infected branches and disinfect your pruning tools after use.
• Root Rot: Willows are susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-drained soil. Make sure your tree is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent this issue.

5. Winter Care

Golden Curls Willow is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, meaning it can tolerate cold winter temperatures. However, it is still a good idea to take some precautions to protect it during the winter months:

• Watering in Winter: Water your tree well in the fall before the ground freezes to ensure it has enough moisture to survive the winter. Avoid watering during the winter when the tree is dormant.
• Mulching: Apply an additional layer of mulch around the base of the tree to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
• Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning during the winter as the tree is dormant. Pruning should ideally be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.

6. Uses and Landscape Applications

Golden Curls Willow is a versatile tree that can be used in various landscape settings:

• Specimen Tree: Due to its unique appearance and graceful form, Golden Curls Willow is often planted as a specimen tree in gardens, parks, or commercial landscapes.
• Hedging and Privacy Screens: While not as dense as some other willows, it can still be used to create informal hedges or screens if spaced correctly.
• Water Features: Golden Curls Willow thrives in moist areas, making it a good choice for planting near water features such as ponds, streams, or boggy areas.
• Container Planting: In smaller spaces, Golden Curls Willow can also be grown in containers, providing an attractive addition to patios, decks, or balconies.

7. Conclusion

Golden Curls Willow is a beautiful, unique tree that adds elegance and vibrant color to any garden or landscape. With its curly, golden-yellow leaves and weeping habit, it’s a standout in both spring and summer gardens. While it is relatively easy to grow and care for, it thrives with consistent moisture, well-drained soil, and regular pruning. Whether used as a focal point or a privacy screen, Golden Curls Willow is a fantastic choice for adding visual interest and a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space.