Weeping dwarf willow

Question

I’ve got a patch of grass on my front garden and my gardener suggested I planted a dwarf weeping willow. The place is extrimily windy, there is not much sun and the soil is pure clay. After reading the instruction on how to plant willows, I am not sure that’s the right place or soil. Can you help? I’m not very experient gardener.

Thank you for your help.

M. Hyland

Answer 1

I agree with you. Willows really prefer full sun. Their branches are also prone to breaking in high winds, weeping willows especially.

Here's an article all about small ornamental trees that do well in shade: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/small-ornamental-shade-trees.htm

They all ought to be able to stand up to the wind better than a weeping willow. Hornbeams and witch hazels in particular can tolerate moist soil.

Here's another article specifically about trees that thrive in poor, wet soil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wet-soil-trees.htm