The Golden Falling Bough
Golden Weeping Willow
Salix × pendulina, golden-weeping form
Golden twigs and falling branches bring a soft outline to the garden. Establish the roots first, with a bright outdoor position and a cool seasonal rest.
Explore the care guide
Care at a glance
Know your plant
Golden Weeping Willow is a deciduous, pendulous willow in the Salix × pendulina horticultural complex. It develops arching boughs and hanging golden young branchlets, with green foliage through the growing season. [1]
Rooted plants and fresh unrooted cuttings need different starting care: an established root ball can be watered and grown on, while an unrooted stem must first produce roots. [2]
Light and placement
Watering
Keep the root zone moist during active growth. Check rooted containers during warm or windy weather; a young pot can dry much faster than the moist garden soil beside it. [3]
Feel below the surface and water slowly across the mix. Brief rain may miss sheltered pots; stop once water reaches the drainage holes. [8]
Soil and pot choice
Use a draining pot that fits the roots and a moisture-retentive, loam-based container mix. Choose a stable base; progressively enlarge the pot as roots fill it. [4]
Temperature and humidity
Keep this deciduous tree outdoors through its growing season. For overwintering, protect the pot: roots above ground face more severe cold than roots insulated by garden soil. [9]
Feeding
Do not fertilize an unrooted cutting or use feed to treat wilt. Newly planted landscape trees usually need careful watering rather than fertilizer; use a soil test before correcting a suspected deficiency. [10]
For established container growth, follow a complete container-feed label and account for fertilizer already in fresh mix. Pause routine feeding during dormancy. [11]
Repotting
Propagation
For dormant hardwood cuttings, select healthy woody growth after leaf fall. Keep track of the basal end, insert it downward in deep, draining rooting medium, and leave a few buds above the surface. [13]
Keep dormant cuttings from drying during establishment. Allow a root system to develop before lifting and potting on; early leaves alone are not a reason to disturb the stem. [13]
For fresh leafy tips, remove lower leaves and place the stem base in moist cutting mix. Maintain humid air with a ventilated cover; remove decaying material promptly. [7]
Pruning and foliage care
Begin with dead, damaged or rubbing twigs. Use sharp tools, preserve the branch collar and shape gradually. Large limbs and work overhead belong with a qualified arborist. [14]
Retain the natural falling outline when shaping golden willow. Hard, repeated size reduction changes its form and does not remove the need for enough growing space. [14]
Problems and next checks
Wilt with dry mix: rewet the root ball and reduce drying wind while it recovers. Wilt with sodden mix: check blocked drainage and compacted medium before adding more water. [11]
Sticky growth or distorted young leaves: inspect stems for aphids. Rust-colored spots or galls need closer identification; photograph affected and healthy leaves before seeking local extension advice. [15]
Seasonal care
Increase moisture checks as spring foliage expands, and inspect containers frequently during summer heat. In autumn, let leaves fall naturally as the tree rests. [15][8]
After dormancy, heel the pot into suitable garden soil or use a protected cold space suited to your climate. Check thawed mix for dryness; avoid moving it into a warm living room. [9]
Children and pets
SafetySimilar plants
Sources
- Salix Chrysocoma: golden weeping willow
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Backyard Stream Repair FAQs
Penn State Extension
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Salix x pendulina f. tristis
NC State Extension
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Trees: growing in containers
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Know the Plants in Your Garden — For Your Child’s Safety
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Accessed October 5, 2026 · Publisher date: 2019-07-08
- Toxin Trends: Plant Trends frequently asked questions
Pet Poison Helpline
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Cuttings: softwood
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- How to water containers
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Overwintering Unplanted Trees, Shrubs and Perennials
Iowa State University Extension
Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Reviewed February 2025
- Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs and Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms
University of Maryland Extension
Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: 2023-02-17
- Container maintenance
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- How to plant up a container
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Hardwood Cuttings
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- How to prune a tree
Royal Horticultural Society
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Salix: willow
NC State Extension
Accessed October 5, 2026
- Need immediate assistance?
National Capital Poison Center
Accessed October 5, 2026
- ASPCA Poison Control
ASPCA Poison Control
Accessed October 5, 2026

