About
A compact, deciduous shrub to around 200cm in height, with narrow silvery blue-green foliage on red stems. Small fluffy, silvery catkins appear in late winter to 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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils. Good for moist or damp areas of the garden
PruningPruning group 1. Responds well to coppicing if you wish to keep it smaller and more compact
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