If you're looking to add a touch of drama and elegance to your garden, weeping trees are the way to go. These stunning specimens, with their cascading branches and lush foliage, can transform even the most mundane landscape into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. But with so many varieties to choose from, where do you start? Fear not, green thumbs, we've got you covered. Here are ten weeping tree varieties that will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood.
1. Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)
Overview
Let's kick things off with a classic. The weeping willow, with its long, drooping branches and vibrant green leaves, is a sight to behold. This tree is a fast grower and can reach heights of up to 50 feet. It's also a water lover, so it's perfect for those damp areas in your garden.
But be warned, the weeping willow is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a lot of space to grow and its roots can wreak havoc on your plumbing system if planted too close to your house. But if you have the space and the patience, this tree is well worth the effort.
Care and Maintenance
When it comes to care, the weeping willow is relatively low maintenance. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too unruly.
One thing to keep in mind is that the weeping willow is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. Regular inspections and prompt treatment can help keep your tree healthy and thriving.
2. Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula')
Overview
Next up, we have the weeping cherry. This tree is a real showstopper, especially in the spring when it's covered in a blanket of pink or white blossoms. The weeping cherry can grow up to 25 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 15 feet wide, making it a great choice for smaller gardens.
But the weeping cherry is not just a pretty face. It's also a hardy tree that can withstand harsh weather conditions. So, if you're looking for a tree that's both beautiful and resilient, the weeping cherry is a great choice.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping cherry prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping willow, the weeping cherry is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. Regular inspections and prompt treatment can help keep your tree healthy and thriving.
3. Weeping Mulberry (Morus alba 'Pendula')
Overview
The weeping mulberry is a small tree that packs a big punch. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 8 feet wide. But what sets this tree apart is its fruit. The weeping mulberry produces small, sweet berries that are a hit with both humans and birds.
But be warned, this tree can be a bit messy. The berries can stain your clothes and your patio, so it's best to plant it away from high traffic areas. But if you can look past the mess, the weeping mulberry is a great addition to any garden.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping mulberry prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Unlike the weeping willow and the weeping cherry, the weeping mulberry is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
4. Weeping Larch (Larix decidua 'Pendula')
Overview
The weeping larch is a conifer that behaves like a deciduous tree. It sheds its needles in the fall, revealing a beautiful, bare structure that's a sight to behold. The weeping larch can grow up to 20 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 10 feet wide.
But what sets this tree apart is its adaptability. The weeping larch can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can even withstand harsh weather conditions. So, if you're looking for a tree that's both beautiful and resilient, the weeping larch is a great choice.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping larch prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping mulberry, the weeping larch is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
5. Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula')
Overview
The weeping blue atlas cedar is a real head-turner. Its blue-green needles and weeping branches make it a standout in any garden. This tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 10 feet wide.
But what sets this tree apart is its versatility. The weeping blue atlas cedar can be trained to grow in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a great choice for those who like to get creative with their landscaping.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping blue atlas cedar prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping larch and the weeping mulberry, the weeping blue atlas cedar is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
6. Weeping Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Covey')
Overview
The weeping redbud is a small tree with a big personality. Its pink flowers and heart-shaped leaves make it a standout in any garden. This tree can grow up to 10 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 10 feet wide.
But what sets this tree apart is its adaptability. The weeping redbud can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can even withstand harsh weather conditions. So, if you're looking for a tree that's both beautiful and resilient, the weeping redbud is a great choice.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping redbud prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping blue atlas cedar, the weeping redbud is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
7. Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Pendula')
Overview
The weeping Norway spruce is a conifer with a twist. Its weeping branches and dark green needles make it a standout in any garden. This tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 10 feet wide.
But what sets this tree apart is its resilience. The weeping Norway spruce can withstand harsh weather conditions and is relatively disease and pest resistant. So, if you're looking for a tree that's both beautiful and resilient, the weeping Norway spruce is a great choice.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping Norway spruce prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping redbud, the weeping Norway spruce is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
8. Weeping Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula')
Overview
The weeping Higan cherry is a tree that's sure to turn heads. Its pink flowers and weeping branches make it a standout in any garden. This tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 25 feet wide.
But what sets this tree apart is its resilience. The weeping Higan cherry can withstand harsh weather conditions and is relatively disease and pest resistant. So, if you're looking for a tree that's both beautiful and resilient, the weeping Higan cherry is a great choice.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping Higan cherry prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping Norway spruce, the weeping Higan cherry is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
9. Weeping Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendula')
Overview
The weeping Katsura is a tree that's sure to impress. Its heart-shaped leaves and weeping branches make it a standout in any garden. This tree can grow up to 25 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 15 feet wide.
But what sets this tree apart is its adaptability. The weeping Katsura can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can even withstand harsh weather conditions. So, if you're looking for a tree that's both beautiful and resilient, the weeping Katsura is a great choice.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping Katsura prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping Higan cherry, the weeping Katsura is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
10. Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula')
Overview
Last but not least, we have the weeping beech. This tree is a real beauty, with its smooth, gray bark and weeping branches. The weeping beech can grow up to 50 feet tall and its branches can spread up to 40 feet wide.
But what sets this tree apart is its longevity. The weeping beech can live for hundreds of years, making it a great choice for those who want to leave a lasting legacy.
Care and Maintenance
The weeping beech prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's also a good idea to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Like the weeping Katsura, the weeping beech is relatively disease and pest resistant. But regular inspections are still a good idea to ensure your tree stays healthy and thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a weeping tree?
A weeping tree is a type of tree that has branches that droop downwards. This gives the tree a "weeping" appearance, hence the name.
How do I care for a weeping tree?
Caring for a weeping tree involves regular watering, pruning, and inspection for diseases and pests. It's also important to ensure the tree is planted in the right location, with enough space to grow and thrive.
Are weeping trees hard to maintain?
While some weeping trees require more care and maintenance than others, most are relatively easy to maintain. Regular pruning and inspection can help keep your tree healthy and thriving.
Can I plant a weeping tree in a pot?
Yes, some smaller varieties of weeping trees can be planted in pots. However, it's important to ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the tree's root system and that it has adequate drainage.
Are weeping trees fast growers?
Some weeping trees, like the weeping willow, are fast growers. Others, like the weeping beech, grow at a slower pace. It's important to research the growth rate of the tree you're interested in before making a decision.
So there you have it, ten stunning weeping tree varieties to transform your landscape. Whether you're looking for a tree that's a fast grower, a water lover, a fruit producer, or a long-liver, there's a weeping tree out there for you. Happy planting!
