About
A deciduous, branching shrub, up to around 3m high, with downy young stems, and dark green, serrated leaves covered with fine hairs on the top surface and smooth underneath. Catkins are produced alongside the new leaves in spring.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Asia
Care notes
CultivationThrives in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including large willow bark aphid, caterpillars, willow leaf beetle, sawflies and willow scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose, honey fungus and rust diseases