Salix repens aka Creeping Willow

Salix repens, commonly known as the creeping willow, is a small, shrubby species of willow that can reach up to 1.5 metres in height. It is native to China and is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, often found growing amongst sand dunes and heathlands. This polymorphic species has a wide range of variants in the UK, ranging from small, prostrate, hairless plants to taller, erect or ascending silky-leaved shrubs. The variation in form has resulted in numerous synonyms. The branches of Salix repens droop and have long yellowish twigs that hang down almost to the ground. The real weeping willow is Salix babylonica, but other species like Salix alba 'Tristis' and Salix x sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma' have similar characteristics. Weeping willows can grow up to 20 metres tall and live up to 200 years old under favourable circumstances. They prefer moist soil and are often found near ponds, lakes and rivers. In spring, the silvery or yellow catkins give the weeping willow an attractive appearance, and in autumn, the leaves turn golden yellow before falling off. Despite their beauty, weeping willows can be challenging to care for as bonsai. They require a lot of water and their strong growth must be controlled. It is best to make larger willow bonsai to accommodate their hanging branches and leaves. The shoots need to be wired downwards all the time because they tend to grow upwards to reach the willow's genetically predetermined height. Willows sometimes lose branches which die for no apparent cause. On the other hand, the creeping willow is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.