Walker Weeping Caragana

Walker Weeping Caragana (Caragana arborescens ‘Walker’) Care Guide

1. Overview & Characteristics

• Walker is a top-grafted, weeping form of the Siberian peashrub. It features fine, threadlike foliage and gracefully pendulous branches. 

• It was developed at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba, Canada. 

• While standard Caragana arborescens grows 10–15 ft tall, Walker weepers are much smaller in landscape use. 

• Typical mature dimensions (as grafted small tree form):
   • Height: ~ 4–5 ft (1.25–1.5 m) 
   • Spread: ~ 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) 

• It is hardy to zone 2 and tolerates drought, salt, and poor soils. 

• In spring, Walker produces bright yellow pea-like flowers; foliage may turn yellow in fall. 

2. Planting & Site Requirements

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal. It tolerates part sun but may not thrive in shade. 

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils. Does well in dry to average moisture soils. 

• Salt Tolerance: High — tolerates salt exposure (useful for road-side plantings). 

• Spacing: For visual effect and air circulation, space 4–6 ft apart. 

• Graft Note: Since it’s grafted, plant so graft union is above soil level and avoid burying it.

3. Watering & Establishment

• First Season: Water deeply and regularly to establish the root system. 

• After Establishment: It becomes drought-tolerant, requiring supplemental water only in long dry periods. 

• Use mulch to conserve soil moisture but keep mulch a few inches from the trunk/graft union.

4. Fertilizing

• At planting, incorporate well-rotted compost or organic matter.

• In early spring (before leaf-out), apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer if soil is low in nutrients.

• Avoid over-fertilizing with high nitrogen to avoid overly vigorous growth that may weaken wood.

5. Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, while dormant.

• How to Prune:
   • Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
   • Shape the weeping form by selectively shortening branches, but do not over-prune into old wood (it may not regenerate well).
   • Maintain a clean trunk and manage the canopy so it doesn’t drag on the ground.

6. Pest & Disease Considerations

• Walker inherits much of the hardiness and resilience of Siberian peashrub, which is generally resistant to many pests. 

• Watch for branch dieback in very wet or poorly drained conditions.

• Ensure good air circulation and avoid wet foliage to reduce fungal risks.

7. Winter & Cold Hardiness

• Very cold-hardy — suitable for harsh winter climates, including your region.

• No special winter protection is usually needed.

• Young plants may benefit from wind protection or staking in exposed sites.

8. Landscape Uses

Excellent accent tree or focal point, especially in small gardens
Works well in rock gardens, formal plantings, or container displays
Beautiful near patios or entrances where its weeping form can be appreciated up close
Useful in low-maintenance, drought-prone landscapes due to its tough nature
Pairs well with finer-textured perennials or grasses to contrast its pendulous form

Photo from mordennurseries.com