About
Salix phylicifolia, the tea-leaved willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree to about 3 m with smooth, reddish-brown young stems and thin, glossy, dark-green leaves with greyish undersides. Catkins are produced before the leaves in spring. A rewarding and ornamental native 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
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 toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationThrives in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates a range of soils and conditions
PruningPruning group 1, or pruning group 7 for winter stems
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