About
Salix myrsinites, the myrtle willow, is a low-growing, spreading shrub to about 50 cm with dark reddish-brown young stems and small, glossy-green, serrated leaves. Fluffy catkins with reddish-purple anthers are produced alongside the new leaves in late spring. A beautiful and rewarding native alpine willow for a moist, sunny rock garden.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toN, NE Europe
Care notes
CultivationThis species thrives on deep, fertile, calcareous soils. It will tolerate a range of conditions including poor drainage
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