About
Salix pentandra, the bay willow, is a bushy deciduous tree to 10 m with glossy, dark-green, bay-like leaves to 12 cm long and 5 cm catkins in early summer � the eye-catching male catkins yellow, the female green. A beautiful and ornamental willow for a moist, sunny 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid alkaline soils
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by greenwood cuttings in nearly summer or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust