Best Substitute for Weeping Willow Tree in Mediterranean Climate Gardens

If you’re looking for a tree that captures the weeping habit of the infamous weeping willow (Salix babylonica) but without some of the headaches, including invasive roots and high water needs, consider the Mayten tree!

The Mayten tree (Maytenus boaria) is an excellent substitute. Water needs are regular to moderate, plus the tree is evergreen and its roots aren’t invasive requiring sewer pipe fixes. 🙂

While this tree packs a punch; it’s commonly used as a street tree in San Francisco, it’s also a popular home garden tree. The mature design height and spread is 30′ x 30′ and it grows slowly to get there!

In the photos of this blog post, I’ve included a few snapshots of young Mayten trees. Note: Young Mayten trees are columnar. However, as the tree matures form becomes round headed.

About – The Wonderful Mayten Tree

This tree is native to the Mediterranean climate regions of South America.The two most commonly available Mayten trees are the species, Maytenus boaria, and a variety of this species a.k.a. Maytenus boaria ‘Green Showers.’

If I had to guess, i’d say that the lead photo, plus photo beneath are ‘Green Showers.’ (yes, same tree.) Why? For the reason that ‘Green Showers’ is more available and aesthetically it has darker green foliage with a more weeping form than the species. Otherwise, they’re probably hard to tell apart.

Hardiness: Mayten is hardy to approximately 10 degrees F, though it can start to defoliate at 15 to 20 degrees F.
Exposure: Full sun. Will tolerate part and full shade.
Water: Moderate to regular water. Tolerates low irrigation once established.
Soil: Good drainage is a must. Tolerates clay, sandy soil and seacoast conditions.
Pruning: Thinning can be helpful. Remove suckers as they appear. You can keep it pruned low for more weeping, or bring it up, as you wish.
Pest/Disease: Resistant to Armilleria Root Rot and is relatively pest free; however, black scale can be an issue.