About

This compact, low-growing deciduous shrub with a dense rounded habit, reddish-purple multi stems that appear vibrant after autumns leaf fall, and blue-green foliage. Silvery catkins appear in early 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles and sawflies
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose diseases and a rust