Overview

Salix chaenomeloides is a bushy, pendulous weeping, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Salix, part of the Salicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Salix chaenomeloides grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and hedging and screens.

About

Salix chaenomeloides, commonly known as akame-yanagi, is a deciduous shrub within the Salix genus, which includes a variety of shrubs and trees known for their simple leaves and catkin flowers. This cultivar can exhibit bushy, pendulous weeping, or columnar upright habits. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist but well-drained soils such as loam or sand, tolerating a range of soil pH levels. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and hedging, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and is best grown in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or part shade.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salix

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Salix chaenomeloides size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy, Pendulous weeping, Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Hedging and screens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salix chaenomeloides

Propagation
Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids, Caterpillars, Leaf beetles, Sawflies, Willow scale
Disease resistance
Willow anthracnose, Scab, Canker, Honey fungus, Rust

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Salix chaenomeloides?

Salix chaenomeloides prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Salix chaenomeloides need?

Salix chaenomeloides grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Salix chaenomeloides hardy in the UK?

Salix chaenomeloides has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Salix chaenomeloides?

Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.

More in the Salix genus

Browse all Salix