About
Greyish catkins are produced sometimes in late spring, more frequently in late summer or early autumn; male catkins have yellow anthers. A deciduous shrub, with spreading, reddish stems that are coated in fine grey down when young. Leaves are small, green and oblong to oval-shaped, and covered with tiny fine hairs.
About the genus
Salix are deciduous shrubs and trees of diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. Some are valued for their brightly coloured winter shoots, others for their foliage or showy male catkins
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationThrives in deep, moisture retentive soil, ideally in full sun. Will tolerate some waterlogging, but dislikes shallow chalk
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 7
PropagationPropagate from hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, gall mites, flea beetles, sawfly larvae, and willow scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose, watermark disease, willow heart rot, rust diseases, crown gall, honey fungus, root rot, silver leaf, and tar spot