Learn how to add more Dappled Willow shrubs to your landscape by propagating Dappled Willow cuttings from your original plant. It’s easy to do whether you propagate the Dappled Willow cuttings in soil (pots) or in water! Plus you save money by not purchasing more shrubs!
Willow shrubs are easy to propagate, and cuttings rooted in soil are often the easiest and most effective method to propagate Willow shrubs. Willow cuttings can be soil propagated in water or a rich, moist, well-drained potting mix. Spring is the best time to take a softwood cutting from a Willow, and taking cuttings early in the season ensures you have time to start over if the first attempt does not work.
Choosing and preparing cuttings
First, cut stems that aren’t too thick or too small. I use these pruners from Fiskars. Look for stems around 6 to 8 inches in length, since at least two or three inches will be pushed into the soil. My latest cuttings are single stems, but I also chose a cutting that has multiple stems. You can see in the photo below how green the end of the stem is, where I cut it off from the larger branch.
Next, select a softwood branch at least 8 inches long. Take cuttings from mature growth and ensure the stems are fresh and pliable. Place the Willow cutting out of direct sunlight to protect the delicate new growth while it establishes roots.
Step 3 - Fill a container with a rich, moist, well-drained potting mix. Step 5 - Position the Willow cutting out of direct sunlight. Step 7 - Roots should grow in a few weeks. Keep the cutting out of direct sunlight. Select a warm spot protected from cold temperatures and drafts. Keep the soil damp and water when the top layer of potting mix starts to dry.
Soil propagation: potting up and care
Next, stick each of the stems into a pot or container filled with potting soil. No other additives or rooting hormone is needed. Gently push each stem into the soil, making sure that at least two or three inches of the stem go down underneath the soil line. You can use any type of container - I’ve used both terra cotta and plastic resin containers with success. Finally, give the container a decent amount of water, just like you would water new plantings. Keep the pots moist but don’t overwater. During the Winter months, if there’s no snow or rain for weeks, add water to the pots occasionally if temperatures are above freezing.
In the Winter, the cuttings may show buds even when it’s January. Place the pots in a shaded area, yet make sure the shade is bright shade. This planter always stays on our patio steps and is protected from strong winds. In general, during the Winter months I leave the potted stems outside with no special care, no protection from the elements like snow or freezing temperatures. Most of the stems will sprout, and a few of them won’t. It depends what Mother Nature decides to do. The arrows below show you one of the stems that died. Winter is the dorm year, when there’s not as much daylight and temperatures are cold. My experience is this dormancy seems to help the cuttings. If there is snow in Winter, it will help insulate your potted cuttings.
Water propagation: quick and visible rooting
Propagation in water is as simple as placing the freshly cut stems into a jar or vase of water. Place where it will get indirect light. Doing this in Winter or Spring is best because you won’t get intense sunlight like you do in Summer. I stuck the cuttings - shown above - into the vase on January 28th. After the Dappled Willow cuttings rooted in water, and developed for a few months, I potted them up in containers shown above. Make sure to place those containers in the shade at first, in order to get them acclimated to the outdoor temperatures and more sunlight. Depending on the season, you can move them into the sun as long as they continue to receive plenty of water during dry spells.
The water that these cuttings root in is rich with nutrients. There’s actually a term for it: Willow Water, and this type of water has been used to fertilize plants. So make sure you choose some favorite plants and water them with this Willow Water once your cuttings have been potted up. You can also reuse the rooting water to start other cuttings.
Willow water and practical rooting history
There’s a historical note: our ancestors called it willow water. To mix up a batch of willow water simply cut a few willow branches that are green and supple and about the size of a pencil. Then cut the branches into 1-inch pieces and smash them with a hammer. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil, drop the willow stems into the water and remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to steep, stirring occasionally. Once cooled, it is ready to use. In addition to using willow water for rooting cuttings, you can also pour it around young transplants to help accelerate their root development.
Timing and final planting
The final step of successfully propagating Dappled Willow is adding the new plants into your landscape. Usually it takes about a year until the cuttings are ready to be planted into the garden. However, it depends on when you begin the cuttings. For cuttings started when dormant in Winter, you may be able to plant them at the end of the Summer. The main question to ask yourself is: what do these cuttings look like? Is there a good amount of healthy leaves and shoots? You want to plant your cuttings when they resemble small seedlings or small plants. Be patient, and you will be rewarded with strong seedlings that have developed good roots. When it comes time to plant your Dappled Willow cuttings, remember to space them at least 6 feet apart from each other.
Willow shrubs are easy to propagate. Propagation is a great way to create more plants to share with friends or neighbors. You can make more plants to feature in a hedge or plant throughout your yard for a cohesive appearance. Some prior experience growing plants from cuttings is helpful, but not mandatory, for expanding your plant collection. Cuttings rooted in soil are often the easiest and most effective method to propagate Willow shrubs. Growing some Willow cultivars from seed is possible, but the process is time-consuming and difficult. Many gardeners find success from cuttings. Willow cuttings are easy to root and require minimal care, making the entire process quick and simple.
Special notes on varieties and safety
Salix discolor (American pussy willow) is native to North America, grows in Zones 4 - 8, and can reach up to about 15 feet. It thrives in full sun with moist soil and benefits from coppicing every few years to promote new growth. This species is a host plant to butterflies and moths, including dreamy duskywing, morning cloak, eastern tiger swallowtail, viceroy, and twin-spotted sphinx. It’s important to distinguish this shrub from the invasive roots sometimes associated with weeping willow trees (Salix babylonica).
When planting your willow, choose a location that is about 100 feet away from buildings and underground pipes, and ensure it receives copious amounts of water. Heat and drought stress can predispose willows to diseases, so consistent watering is essential for establishment and growth.
Practical tips and starter checklist
- Use sharp, clean shears and select 6-8 inch cuttings with at least 2-3 inches to plant below the soil line.
- Test both soil and water propagation to determine what works best in your situation.
- Avoid rooting hormones for Dappled Willow cuttings; simple stick-in-dirt methods work well.
- Place new cuttings in shaded but bright areas initially, then gradually introduce sunlight as they acclimate.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; adjust watering with seasonal changes.
- Plant established cuttings about 6 feet apart to allow growth and air circulation.
From a single shrub, a living wall can be created and extended, as illustrated by examples of Dappled Willow becoming a dense, decorative backdrop for fences and urns alike. If you choose to propagate willows by cuttings, you’ll find that the process is accessible, inexpensive, and highly rewarding for gardeners aiming to expand their landscape with cohesive, fast-growing shrubs.
Ready-to-use quick reference
- Take 6-8 inch softwood cuttings in spring.
- Plant in moist potting soil or place in water for rooting.
- Keep in indirect light and evenly moist; wait for roots to form.
- Transplant to pots or landscape after roots establish; space 6 feet apart.