Willow 'Mark Postill' Salix 'Mark Postill' (f)

Water

The weeping willow should be watered deeply once or twice a week during dry periods, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly saturated. In the first growing season, it is essential to establish a deep root system, which may require watering two to three times weekly depending on the weather. As the tree matures, it typically requires less frequent watering, but during prolonged droughts, it may still need supplemental watering. When watering, provide about 15 to 20 gallons for young trees each time to encourage deep root growth.

Light

Weeping willows thrive best in full sunlight, meaning they need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting a weeping willow is an open area away from buildings and other shade structures to ensure it receives ample sunlight for healthy growth.

Temperature

Weeping willows are hardy in a wide range of temperatures and can survive in zones 4 to 8, where minimum winter temperatures can drop down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best in moderate climates where the temperature typically ranges from 35 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit might stress the tree, and additional care might be necessary.

Pruning

Pruning a weeping willow is done to shape the tree, remove dead or damaged branches, and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow and new growth begins. Thin out the canopy every few years to let light and air into the inner tree, and remove any suckers from the base as needed throughout the year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Willow 'Mark Postill' thrives best in consistently moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sand can ensure adequate moisture retention and drainage. Adding organic matter will further enrich the soil conditions favorable for this willow variety.

Repotting

Dwarf Willows like 'Mark Postill' typically don't require frequent repotting if planted in the ground. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Willows 'Mark Postill' prefer high humidity environments resembling their natural wetland habitats. They are adaptable but thrive with ambient humidity, especially when grown near bodies of water.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, keep soil moist for indoor 'Mark Postill'.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, moist soil; protect from wind for outdoor 'Mark Postill'.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Salix 'Mark Postill', commonly known as Dappled Willow, begins its life cycle when seeds, typically dispersed by wind or water, germinate in moist soil conditions in the spring. Seedlings emerge rapidly, given adequate moisture and light, and the plant enters a vigorous juvenile growth phase, quickly establishing a root system and producing shoots. As it matures, the Dappled Willow develops distinctive mottled leaves, pink shoots in spring and stems that provide ornamental value throughout the growing season. After a few years, the plant reaches reproductive maturity and produces catkins that are pollinated mainly by insects, leading to seed formation and dispersal. This fast-growing shrub can also propagate vegetatively through cuttings, which root easily and contribute to the spread of the plant. Eventually, after many years, the Dappled Willow may experience reduced vigor and enter a senescent stage before dying, although exact lifespan varies widely depending on environmental conditions and care.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• Salix 'Mark Postill', commonly known as dappled willow, is typically propagated through hardwood cuttings. This method is most effective when undertaken in late fall to early winter, during the plant's dormant period. To propagate dappled willow via hardwood cuttings, one should select a healthy stem from the current year's growth and cut a section approximately 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters) in length. The bottom cut should be made just below a node, and the top cut should be just above a node. Stripping the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting is recommended, leaving some at the top to enable photosynthesis. The cutting should then be inserted into well-draining soil or a potting mix, with roughly half of its length submerged. To encourage root growth, the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial for successful rooting, which typically occurs over a few weeks to a few months.