Weeping trees for the garden are usually created by grafting weeping forms of an ornamental species onto stronger upright rootstock.
When selecting one of these trees it is essential to look closely at the graft to ensure it looks strong and clean. Favourite species include weeping cherry, birch, elm, apricot, apple and weeping mulberry .
Widely as ornamental feature trees in gardens and include many flowering varieties, including ornamental fruit trees such as weeping cherry trees, weeping apricot and weeping apple however weeping birch trees, elms and others should also be considered for the garden. Weeping Birch, Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ for example is an outstanding weeping tree.
Characteristics of Weeping Trees
Flowering
If its flowers you are after then for cascades of spring flowers look mainly at the prunus, weeping apricot and cherry. However the Weeping Pink Crabapple ‘Malus ‘Echtermeyer’ is an outstanding form.
Foliage Texture
Weeping Birch is outstanding, lovely green foliage and of course the Weeping Elm, ‘Ulmus pendula’ with its large textures foliage
Autumn Foliage
The Maples, especially the weeping Japanese Maples, from the purples of ‘Atropurpuream disectum’, to wonderful reds. But also the ginkgo in its weeping form, beautiful butter yellow foliage in autumn
Weeping Tree Height and Landscaping uses
When nurseries are asked for tree that will reach a certain height, the answer given is to look at the Weeping Tree varieties that are available. The ones that are grafted are the ones that will stay at a height for their life. So Weeping trees are a landscapers saviour when height is important.
One of the ‘Go To’ tree style with landscapers are the weeping varieties. They provide a soft look to the landscape and are often smaller growing.
Excellent next to ponds and in hills gardens many species are also suited to planting as feature trees as well as in larger gardens and parks.
The natural pendulous nature of many varieties is enhanced by the grafted specimens that accentuate the weeping nature of some species.
Weeping trees are an excellent feature in any garden. Weeping trees may be flowering, such as weeping cherry trees, or not flowering such as elms. Grafting weeping forms of a species onto stronger upright rootstock creates the effect required.
Weeping Tree Varieties to consider
- Weeping Mulberry – Morus alba ‘Pendula’. A small weeping deciduous tree to reach a height of around 4m. Attractive glossy foliage and a good weeping habit. Drought tolerant once established.
- Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Sekimori’. Acer dissectums have branches with a naturally weeping habit, and this one will reach 2-3 m
- Acer Palmatum Dissectum Beni Shidare
- Acer Palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum
- Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ (Youngs Weeping Birch). Usually supplied as a grafted form so the final height will be what you buy. Will be around 2 – 3 m. Lovely green foliage that turns a soft yellow in autumn, an excellent feature tree.
- Prunus Mume – Weeping Apricot. Beautiful fragrant pink flowers carried on bare stems in spring. Will reach around 3m
- Ginkgo Biloba Pendula. A weeping ginkgo
- Taxodiun distichum ‘Cascade Falls’
- Tsuga Canadensis Cole. A low growing (prostrate) conifer that forms a lovely weeping mound, excellent near the rock garden or on a Japanese style garden.
Weeping Trees are available from the following Nurseries
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
WINTER HILL TREE FARM Ph: 02 4878 9193 Fax: 02 4878 9109
NSW Southern Highlands
Retail & Wholesale. Advanced trees & hedging. Grown in pots for year-round planting. 45 litre - 1000 litre available. Great range. Great Quality. Delivery available.
www.winterhill.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au