About
Salix irrorata, the blue-stem willow, is a bushy, upright deciduous shrub to 3 m with purple young shoots bloomed white in winter � particularly ornamental when coppiced. Narrow, oblong, vivid-green leaves are glaucous beneath; grey catkins to 2.5 cm long with red anthers appear in early to mid spring before the leaves. A striking willow for a moist, sunny garden grown primarily for its ornamental winter stems.
About the genus
Salix, the willows, are deciduous shrubs and trees of very diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. Some are valued for brightly coloured winter shoots, others for ornamental catkins, foliage or stature.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSW USA, Mexico
Care notes
CultivationA small, slow growing shrub for sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1or pollarding every 3-4 years
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust