Salix Caprea Kilmarnock

c0zza

Hi, can anyone tell me what is wrong with our Salix Caprea Kilmarnock. We bought it on sale a few years ago and there was just the weeping bare wood with the catkins on it - since then we have had no more catkins. A year ago we moved it up nearer the house and into much wetter soil, and the new green growth is substantial but it's not weeping at all and there's never been any more catkins on the bare weeping wood part of the plant. Any ideas what we've done wrong and what we can do with it? Will upload pictures.  

Paul B3

'Kilmarnock' Willows are normally grafted onto a hardy Willow stock ; yours has died and the stock plant has grown of its own accord .
Best to get rid !

Ladybird4

Hello c0zza. I think that what has happened is that the root stock that the Salix was grafted onto has taken over. The root stock is usually common willow which is a much stronger grower than the caprea. Follow the green trunk as low down as you can go and remove it completely. Nutrients and water will then be available for the caprea and with a bit of luck it should recover though I have a feeling it may be too late judging from the brownish stems.

Paul B3

Ladybird4

SNAP !

Ladybird4

@Paul B3