Japanese Fantail Willow Salix udensis 'Sekka'

'Sekka' is a cultivar of S. undensis, a deciduous, flowering shrub in the willow family. The parent plant typically matures to 20 to 30 feet tall with an upright, spreading habit.  'Sekka', on the other hand, is a large, rounded, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub which typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall with an equal width and an upright, spreading habit. 'Sekka' is often called Japanese fantail willow. This vigorous ornamental willow is known for its curiously flattened, recurved stems (called fasciated) that can be used in floral arrangements.

'Sekka' grows best in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist soils in full sun, but will tolerate a range of soil types. 'Sekka' is an all-male cultivar with weak wood that may need support. However, its ornamental value may outweigh these challenges. It is a vigorous spreader and will eventually form a large, dense thicket.

‘Sekka’ must be propagated by grafting or cutting. Some newly developed plants may take 3 to 4 years before the unique fasciated stems begins to appear. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Susceptible blights and cankers and many insect pests including aphids, scale and borers. The 'Sekka' cultivar is resistant to plant pathogens such as rust.

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