While the Dappled Willow (Harlekinweide) is a pretty low-maintenance and easy-going addition to your yard, a little bit of fertilizer at just the right time can really work wonders. Follow these tips to make sure your willow feels right at home in your green oasis.
First, you’ll need to know which category your plant falls into:
- Fertilizing plants in the ground
- Fertilizing container plants
Location Makes All the Difference
Did you pick out a great spot for your Dappled Willow where it’s already thriving? If so, you’re in luck—you won’t have much work to do in the fertilizer department. Willows planted directly in the garden usually don’t need any extra feeding at all. Their roots are experts at pulling exactly what they need straight from the soil. In fact, it’s often better to leave them be. If you feel like you must fertilize, stick to once a year at most. Overdoing it with too many nutrients can actually do more harm than good to these trees.
However, if you’ve got your Dappled Willow growing in a pot or container, the rules change a bit. Since the roots can’t spread out naturally through the earth to find food, the plant is limited to the nutrients available in that small amount of soil. To keep it happy, you should fertilize about once a month during the growing season. A standard balanced fertilizer from your local garden center works great, or you can go the organic route with some fresh compost.
Mulching: The Natural Nutrient Boost
Another great way to support your willow is by mulching. Not only does mulch keep the soil soft and moist (just the way willows like it!), but as it breaks down, it feeds the plant naturally. If you keep a fresh layer of mulch around the base, you usually won’t need any extra fertilizer at all. The best way to know if your tree needs a boost is simply to keep an eye on it.
The leaves and branches will tell you everything you need to know about the plant’s health. If the foliage is lush and vibrant, your tree is a happy camper. But if you start seeing brittle branches, brown leaves, or curling foliage, your Dappled Willow is trying to tell you something is wrong. It could be a sign of disease or a nutrient deficiency. If that happens, it’s time to step in and give the soil a little TLC with some fertilizer.
