The Red Weeping Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Scarlet Curls’) is an eye-catching ornamental tree. Its vibrant, scarlet-red stems and gracefully arching, pendulous form create a striking visual element, especially in colder months when its colorful branches stand out against a muted winter backdrop. This tree offers year-round interest and a unique silhouette.
Understanding the Red Weeping Willow
The Red Weeping Willow, ‘Scarlet Curls’, is known for its striking reddish or orange-red stems, most prominent in winter after leaf drop. These branches have a unique twisting and contorted growth habit. This fast-growing deciduous tree reaches 20 to 30 feet tall with a 15 to 20-foot spread. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are green, turning golden yellow in fall.
Younger wood displays the most intense scarlet hues, while older branches may develop a golden-yellow tone. This distinct stem coloration differentiates it from other weeping willow varieties, which typically have green or yellow branches.
Planting and Care Guide
For successful growth, Red Weeping Willows thrive in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though they tolerate partial shade. While adaptable to various soil types, they prefer moist, well-drained loamy conditions with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Planting is best done in early spring or fall, allowing roots to establish before temperature extremes. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, ensuring the tree is planted at the same depth as its nursery container. Backfill with soil, gently tamp it down, and water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
Consistent watering is important, especially for young trees, which may require watering two to three times per week. Mature trees generally need watering once or twice weekly, depending on climate and soil conditions. They perform best when the soil remains consistently moist. Watering deeply in the early morning or late evening minimizes evaporation and allows for better moisture absorption. Applying a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization is not always necessary for established trees, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) can promote robust growth in early spring. Apply it evenly around the tree’s drip line and water thoroughly.
Pruning should occur in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This helps maintain the tree’s shape and encourages the development of new, more vibrantly colored stems. Select one central leader and remove any competing stems, also trimming branches with “V”-shaped junctions which are prone to breakage.
Red Weeping Willows can encounter pests like aphids, willow borers, and spider mites, and diseases such as canker, willow scab, and leaf spot. Regular monitoring and prompt pruning of infected branches help manage these issues.
Landscaping Applications and Benefits
The Red Weeping Willow serves as a distinct focal point in a landscape. Its unique weeping form and vibrant stem color create visual interest, especially in winter when its red branches stand out. This tree thrives in moist conditions, making it suitable for waterside plantings near ponds, lakes, or streams, where its roots can easily access water.
Its fast growth rate, often adding 3 to 10 feet per year, allows for quick establishment. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Red Weeping Willow contributes to erosion control, as its extensive root system helps stabilize soil, particularly on slopes or near water bodies. Its striking, colored branches are also valued for cut flower arrangements.
Important Considerations and Challenges
Despite its beauty, the Red Weeping Willow has important considerations. Its aggressive root system actively seeks water, potentially damaging residential structures, septic systems, or underground pipes if planted too close. It is recommended to plant them at least 50 to 105 feet away from such infrastructure.
The tree has a relatively shorter lifespan, typically 20 to 30 years, though some can live up to 50 with optimal care. Its brittle wood is susceptible to breakage during strong winds, ice storms, or heavy snow, leading to frequent cleanup. Some willow species, like Salix babylonica, are considered invasive due to rapid growth and easy spread, though ‘Scarlet Curls’ is a hybrid.