I have The Tree of Enchantment, Salix Caprea Pendula from Canada. Is the tree it is grafted to a weeping willow in order to keep it bonsaied or small? What is the best way to keep it thriving here in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Thanks so much. Suz
Hi American gardener.
How nice that you have returned to Chicago with a beautiful mini Weeping Pussy Willow, also know as a Tree of Enchantment, Kilmarnock Willow, or goat willow (Salix caprea var. Kilmarnock (previously pendula) from Canada.
The Toronto Master Gardeners in a previous post outlined the general care for Salix caprea var. pendula, and how to prune it when the time comes to keep its small shape.
I have done a bit of research on how the cultivar is created. The Royal Horticultural Society says that the Salex caprea ‘Pendula’ is usually top grafted, and offers an explanation on how to go about grafting the plant. Washington State University says that the Weeping Willow’s “form is attributed to the fact that the cultivar (‘Kilmarnock’) has been grafted to a Salix discolor rootstock (grafted high at 6′). The scion (‘pendula’) grows straight up before it begins to send out weeping limbs”.
The weeping pussy willow can grow as high as nine feet if put in a large enough pot, but it has been used extensively as a bonsai tree. This website gives a lot of information on how to take a willow-tree cutting and turn it into a bonsai tree.
The most relevant part of the information they share to your question, is the great ease with which the willow tree branches can take root. Any cutting will easily root in water or in a well-watered medium.
I hope this has answered your questions, and that you will have many years of joy from your Canadian plant.