Discover the Grace and Charm of Weeping Trees
Have you ever marveled at the beauty of a weeping tree, with its graceful profile and unique drooping branches? These stunning trees can make a captivating focal point in any garden, adding a touch of elegance and charm. But did you know that the distinctive weeping habit of these trees is not something that can be achieved through simple seed planting? Weeping trees are usually the result of mutations achieved through propagation, where cuttings of certain species are grafted onto the rootstock of a standard species.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 19 of the best types of weeping trees that you can consider adding to your garden. From small to full-size varieties, each tree has its own unique charm and characteristics that make it a standout choice for any landscape. So, let’s dive in and discover the beauty of these weeping wonders!
The Enchanting World of Weeping Trees
Camperdown Elm
- Name: Camperdown Elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Camperdown Elm, also known as Scotch elm or weeping elm, boasts a dense umbrella-like canopy that gives the feel of a secret hiding place. This small tree typically grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet and a width of 20 to 30 feet. Keep in mind that this cultivar has the potential to be infected with Dutch elm disease, so caution is advised when pruning.
Golden Curls Willow
- Name: Golden Curls Willow (Salix matsudana)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
Once considered a weeping willow, the Golden Curls Willow is a fascinating tree with twisting and curling branches and leaves. This tree can reach heights of up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, making it a striking addition to any garden, especially in the winter months.
Inversa Norway Spruce
- Name: Inversa Norway Spruce (Picea abies ‘Inversa’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Inversa Norway Spruce is a hardy weeping tree that can be trained to create a focal point in colder regions. With its unique weeping ground cover form, this tree requires some training to encourage vertical growth, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning results.
Nookta Cypress
- Name: Nookta Cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Nookta Cypress, also known as Sitka cypress or yellow cedar, is a conifer with a weeping form that can live for over 1,000 years in the wild. The ‘Pendula’ cultivar of this tree features heavily weeping branches that create a stunning visual impact in any landscape.
Weeping Birch
- Name: Weeping Birch (Betula pendula)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Birch tree is renowned for its draping branches that create a graceful focal point in the garden. With various weeping varieties available, including ‘Youngii,’ ‘Carelica,’ and ‘Purpurea,’ this tree is sure to add charm and elegance to any outdoor space.
Cultivate Beauty with Weeping Trees
Higan Cherry
- Name: Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
If you’re looking for a weeping tree that flowers in the spring, the Higan Cherry is an excellent choice. With its cascading branches and beautiful pink blossoms, this tree is not only a visual delight but also a source of food for pollinators. Consider adding this stunning tree to your garden for a touch of natural beauty.
Weeping Copper Beech
- Name: Weeping Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Copper Beech tree is a sight to behold, with its mushroom-shaped form and heavily weeping branches. With cultivars like ‘Atropunicea’ and ‘Atropurpurea,’ this tree offers a touch of elegance and sophistication to any landscape. Plus, the edible nuts it produces are a delightful treat for wildlife.
Weeping Crabapple
- Name: Weeping Crabapple (Malus spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Crabapple tree is a true beauty, providing year-round interest with its profusion of flowers in the spring and colorful fruits in the fall and winter. With cultivars like ‘Louisa,’ ‘Red Swan,’ and ‘Royal Fountain,’ this tree is a favorite of wildlife and adds a pop of color to any garden.
Weeping White Pine
- Name: Weeping White Pine (Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping White Pine is a drooping variety of the eastern white pine that serves well as a garden specimen. With its multi-trunked shrub form, this tree adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. Keep in mind that this tree may not be compatible with currant or gooseberry plants due to disease concerns.
Embrace the Elegance of Weeping Trees
Weeping Fig
- Name: Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Fig, a popular houseplant, adds a touch of greenery to any indoor space. Known for its persnickety nature, this tree requires regular care and watering to thrive. In warmer climates, this tree can grow to impressive heights and may even become invasive, so be sure to plant it in a suitable location.
Weeping Golden Ash
- Name: Weeping Golden Ash (Fraxinus excelsior ‘Aurea Pendula’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Golden Ash tree features yellow branches and black leaf buds that turn golden in the fall. With its weeping habit and unique foliage, this tree is a standout addition to any garden. The opposite branching and paired leaflets add to the charm of this beautiful tree.
Weeping Flowering Apricot
- Name: Weeping Flowering Apricot (Prunus mume)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Flowering Apricot tree showcases a glorious display of perfumed blossoms early in the spring. With its semi-double flowers and pendant form, this tree is a showstopper in any garden. For best results, provide ample sunlight to encourage abundant flower production.
Weeping Japanese Larch
- Name: Weeping Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi ‘Pendula’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Japanese Larch is a deciduous conifer with a weeping habit that adds a touch of whimsy to any garden. With its bare branches reaching the ground in winter, this tree offers year-round interest and beauty. Consider adding this charming tree to your landscape for a unique focal point.
Create a Serene Retreat with Weeping Trees
Weeping Japanese Maple
- Name: Weeping Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Japanese Maple is a staple of the bonsai world and a timeless addition to any garden. With its vibrant foliage in various colors, this tree adds a touch of elegance and oriental flair to your outdoor space. Consider cultivars like ‘Dissectum’ and ‘Matsukaze’ for a stunning display of color and beauty.
Weeping Katsura
- Name: Weeping Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendula’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Katsura tree offers spectacular autumn color, with leaves that change from purple to green to golden. Known for its opposite branching and aromatic foliage, this tree is a favorite for its stunning visual impact. Add a touch of beauty to your garden with the Weeping Katsura tree.
Weeping Lindens
- Name: Weeping Lindens (Tilia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Lindens, including the Weeping Silver Linden and Little Leaf Linden cultivars, are beloved for their weeping habit and aromatic blooms that attract bees. With dwarf forms like ‘Pendula nana,’ these trees are a delightful addition to any garden. Consider adding a Weeping Linden tree for a touch of charm and fragrance.
Weeping Mulberry
- Name: Weeping Mulberry (Morus alba ‘Pendula’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Mulberry tree is a smaller version of the standard species, offering a weeping form and unique character to any garden. With female cultivars that produce mulberry fruits, this tree is a favorite of wildlife and adds a touch of whimsy to the landscape. Keep an eye out for grafted trees to ensure the desired weeping habit.
Weeping Pagoda
- Name: Weeping Pagoda (Styphonolobium japonica ‘Pendula’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Pagoda tree, despite its common name, adds a touch of elegance to any garden with its weeping form and graceful branches. Originating in Korea and China, this tree is known for its unique visual appeal, especially in the winter when the leaves have fallen. Consider adding a Weeping Pagoda tree for a touch of beauty and charm to your outdoor space.
Weeping Willow
- Name: Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Light:
- Soil:
- Mature Size:
- Deer-Resistant:
The Weeping Willow is a classic choice for waterfront landscapes, with its slender branches and drooping form adding a touch of grace to any setting. This riparian species thrives in wet soil conditions but requires careful placement to avoid root damage. Admire the elegant beauty of the Weeping Willow tree in your garden for a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weeping trees offer a unique and enchanting addition to any garden or landscape. With their graceful profiles, drooping branches, and stunning visual appeal, these trees make a captivating focal point that adds beauty and charm to any outdoor space.
Whether you choose a Weeping Cherry for its delicate pink blossoms, a Weeping Birch for its graceful foliage, or a Weeping Maple for its vibrant colors, each tree offers its own unique charm and character that will transform your garden into a tranquil retreat.
So, why not add a touch of elegance and beauty to your garden with a weeping tree? Explore the wide variety of options available and find the perfect tree that suits your style and preferences. Embrace the enchanting world of weeping trees and create a serene oasis that you can enjoy for years to come.