Salix retusa aka Retuse Leaved Willow

Taxonomy

Salix retusa, a species of flowering plant in the family Salicaceae, is a low-growing deciduous alpine shrub. It features creeping stems that root at the nodes, giving it a distinctive appearance. The glossy green leaves are small, oval to oblong in shape, and add a touch of vibrancy to the plant. In spring, alongside the leaves, Salix retusa produces upright, silvery catkins that contribute to its overall beauty. With a modest height of 10–30 centimetres (3.9–11.8 in), this species typically develops creeping stems, although occasionally it may grow erect. The leaves, which are dull green in color, are obovate, lanceolate, or elliptic in shape, with entire margins. Measuring around 2 × 1 cm, they have very short petioles. As with all willows, Salix retusa is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female plants.

Common names

Retuse Leaved Willow, Blunt Leaved Willow

How to care for Retuse Leaved Willow

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Retuse Leaved Willow is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Retuse Leaved Willow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Retuse Leaved Willow is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Blunt Leaved Willow is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Blunt Leaved Willow with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Retuse Leaved Willow with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Retuse Leaved Willow requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Blunt Leaved Willow is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Retuse Leaved Willow to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.


More info:
Wikipedia