Chinese Weeping Willow Plant Care

Chinese Weeping Willow (Fortunearia sinensis) belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family within the Fortunearia genus. Chinese Weeping Willow is native to southern and north-central China.

Chinese Weeping Willow displays a deciduous shrub or small tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Chinese Weeping Willow produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Weeping Willow every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese Weeping Willow thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Fortunearia sinensis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chinese Weeping Willow prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Weeping Willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Weeping Willow every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Weeping Willow is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese Weeping Willow can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese Weeping Willow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chinese Weeping Willow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Weeping Willow can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

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Chinese Weeping Willow is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese Weeping Willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chinese Weeping Willow is native to southern and north-central China. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Weeping Willow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.