How to Grow, Propagate, Varieties, and Harvest Japanese Fantail Willow (Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’)

The Complete Grower’s Guide

Japanese Fantail Willow—also known as Curly Willow, Sekkā Willow, or Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’—is one of the most fascinating ornamental willows in cultivation. Its stems form unusual double- or triple-wide fasciated branches, often flat, twisted, and fan-shaped. This makes it a prized plant for Ikebana, floral design, winter stems, and bonsai.

Whether you want to grow it for landscape beauty or for its sculptural branches, this guide covers everything you need to know: planting, soil, propagation, pruning, maintenance, pests, varieties, and harvesting stems for floristry.

Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis
Japanese fantail willow - Salix sachalinensis

What Is Japanese Fantail Willow?

Japanese Fantail Willow is a deciduous shrub or small tree renowned for its fasciated stems—a natural mutation where branches grow flattened like ribbons. These stems become even more dramatic in winter when leaves drop, revealing the plant’s structural beauty.

Key Characteristics

  • Botanical Name: Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’
  • Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree
  • Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8
  • Mature Height: 10–15 ft (can be kept smaller with pruning)
  • Fast-growing: 3–6 ft per year under ideal conditions
  • Uses: Landscape ornamental, cut stems for craft and floral design, bonsai, wildlife plant

How to Grow Japanese Fantail Willow

1. Best Location

Plant your Fantail Willow where it gets:

  • Full sun for best stem production
  • At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
  • Tolerance to partial shade (but fewer fantail stems)

Wind Protection

Although hardy, fasciated stems can break in strong wind. A partially sheltered location helps maintain more perfect stems.

2. Soil Requirements

Willows are famously adaptable, but for the best growth:

Ideal Soil

  • Moist, fertile loam
  • Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0)
  • High organic matter

Soils It Tolerates

  • Clay (if not compacted)
  • Sandy soils (with added organic matter)

Moisture Needs

Fantail willow LOVES water.
It thrives in:

  • Rain gardens
  • Pond edges
  • Damp low spots

Do not let the soil completely dry out, especially in its first year.

3. Watering

During the first year:

  • Water deeply 2–3× per week
  • Keep soil consistently moist

Once established:

  • Water every 7–10 days in dry climates
  • Increase watering during hot summers
  • Never let it go bone dry

Fantail willow grows fastest with steady moisture.

4. Fertilizing

Fertilizer supports vigorous new stem growth (which is what we harvest).

Recommended Schedule

  • Early spring: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10)
  • Mid-summer: Optional compost top-dressing

Organic Options

  • Compost
  • Aged manure
  • Leaf mold

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season—they may trigger weak late growth that winter damage can affect.

How to Propagate Japanese Fantail Willow

Propagation is incredibly easy—one of the reasons willows are so widely spread.

1. Propagate from Hardwood Cuttings (Most Common)

Hardwood cuttings give the highest success rate.

When to Take Cuttings

  • Late winter to early spring, before buds break

How to Take Cuttings

  1. Cut a 10–18 inch section of current-season wood.
  2. Cut just below a node.
  3. Remove lower buds.
  4. Place the bottom 1/3 of the cutting into:
    • Water
    • Moist potting mix
    • Directly into garden soil

Success Rate

Often near 100%, even without rooting hormone.

2. Propagate from Green/Softwood Cuttings

Take softwood cuttings in:

  • Late spring
  • Early summer

Place in a humid environment and keep soil lightly moist.

3. Propagate from Coppice Shoots

If the plant is already coppiced (cut to 6–12 inches annually), use the vigorous new shoots as ready-made cuttings.

Varieties and Cultivars of Fantail Willow

While Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’ is the classic fantail form, there are several related or compatible ornamental willows:

1. Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’ (Standard Fantail)

  • Most common variety
  • Produces wide, flat, “fan” stems
  • Excellent for floristry

2. Golden Fantail Willow

  • Same fasciated growth but with golden-yellow stems
  • Ideal for winter color

3. Red Fantail Willow

  • Fasciated stems with red winter coloration
  • Especially dramatic in snowy climates

4. Curly Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’)

Not a true fantail willow but often grown alongside it.

  • Twisted spiral stems
  • Great for floral designs

5. Dragon’s Claw Willow

A naturally contorted willow with occasional fasciation, giving a more chaotic look.

Pruning and Maintenance

Why Prune?

  • Encourages new fasciated stems
  • Maintains shrub shape
  • Prevents overgrowth

Best Pruning Methods

Option 1 — Coppicing (Recommended for Cut Stem Production)

Cut the plant down to:

  • 6–12 inches every late winter

This triggers:

  • Vigorous new stems
  • More and larger fantails
  • Cleaner growth for floral use

Option 2 — Thinning

If you want a small tree instead of a coppiced shrub:

  • Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems annually
  • Keep multi-stemmed shape

Option 3 — Shape Pruning

Remove weak, overly thin, or broken stems anytime.

Pests and Problems

1. Aphids

Common in spring.
Control by:

  • Hose spray
  • Insecticidal soap
  • Natural predators (ladybugs)

2. Willow Leaf Beetle

Chews leaves but rarely harms the plant long-term.

3. Powdery Mildew

Most common in humid shade.
Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.

4. Root Rot

Happens only in compacted, poorly drained soil—willows prefer wet but not stagnant conditions.

When and How to Harvest Fantail Willow Stems

Best Time to Harvest

Late winter through early spring

  • Leaves are off
  • Stems are firm
  • Fasciation is most visible

How to Harvest

  1. Select stems with wide, flat, or twisted growth.
  2. Use clean pruning shears.
  3. Cut stems at the base or where they branch.
  4. Immediately place in water (if using fresh).

For Dried Stems

  • Harvest early when stems are fully formed.
  • Strip leaves (if any remain).
  • Air dry upright in a cool, dry space.

For Floral Design

The most desirable stems are:

  • Wide, ribbon-like branches
  • Highly twisted or flattened sections
  • Rich color (red, gold, or dark green)

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

  • Plant or repot
  • Apply fertilizer
  • Monitor aphids
  • Begin regular watering

Summer

  • Keep soil moist
  • Light shape pruning
  • Harvest some fresh stems

Fall

  • Reduce feeding
  • Clean up fallen leaves
  • Prepare for winter

Winter

  • Coppice or major prune
  • Harvest dried stems
  • Take hardwood cuttings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Japanese Fantail Willow invasive?

Not typically. Willows can spread in wet areas, but ‘Sekka’ is less aggressive than many species.

Can it grow in containers?

Yes! Large pots (15–20 gallons) work well. Keep soil consistently moist.

How fast does it grow?

Very fast: 3–6 ft per year under ideal conditions.

Does it need full sun?

Yes—sunlight increases the number of fasciated stems.

Final Thoughts

Japanese Fantail Willow (Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’) is one of the most captivating ornamental shrubs you can grow. Whether you’re an Ikebana artist, a floral designer, a gardener, or a bonsai enthusiast, this willow offers unmatched sculptural beauty.

With proper care—moist soil, annual pruning, and strategic harvesting—you can enjoy dozens of artistic stems every year, making this plant a rewarding addition to any garden.