By Wendikins
North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
I have a tiny tree growing in a pot and do not know what it is. It must have been from a seed dropped by a bird as it began at the edge of a pot containing a cyclamen. We have moved it to centre stage as this is it's second summer and it is doing well and is really attractive. We would like to know what it is though so we can decide wher it goes next. Can anyone identify it from the attached photos? It ia about 10 inches tall at th moment.
- 6 Jun, 2010
Answers
It's a Salix caprea (Goat Willow) two years old.
I have two bonsai'd (one of which is in my photos). Keep the compost moist at all times. Feed with half strength multi purpose plant feed every two weeks in the growing season. Do not feed until leaves have been open for 1 month.
Nip out the growing tips to encourage back budding and to shape your tree.
Willows are thirsty trees that grow quickly and are quite forgiving if you trim back too hard.
Congratulations on owning your first bonsai. You've now got the bonsai bug.
6 Jun, 2010
Thanks for that prompt response both of you, much appreciated.
I guess if I moved it to a larger container or in the garden it would grow to normal size would it ? Can you clarify back budding for me Stjohntongue ?
My husband has fancied bonsai gardening in the past so I can't wait to tell him!!
6 Jun, 2010
Back budding refers to nipping out the growing tips from the ends of a branch encouraging the buds further back along the branch to open and therefore have more branches off that limb which in time will progress into a fine twig ramification.
Let the tree grow to the height that you want before nipping out the top growing tip.
I hope this helps'
StJ.
6 Jun, 2010
Thanks for your help, much appreciated. I can see many hours being spent on this website !!!!
7 Jun, 2010
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It's one of two potential trees, either Salix caprea (Goat Willow / Pussy Willow) or the closely related Salix cinerea (Grey Willow).
The tiny seeds of all Salix have a tuft of hairs and can blow for miles from their parent plant. They must reach damp soil within a few hours of release or they quickly perish. Yours obviously landed in a pot of nice moist compost a year or two back!
6 Jun, 2010