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Golden Willow (salix alba 'Vitellina)
£2.04
- Fast-growing deciduous tree (or multi-stem shrub if regularly cut) prized for brilliant golden-yellow young stems that provide outstanding winter colour.
- Narrow mid-green leaves and early spring catkins; excellent for wildlife gardens, coastal sites, screening, and waterside planting.
- When: Autumn to early spring (ground not frozen); autumn preferred so roots establish over winter.
- Where: Full sun (best stem colour) or partial shade; moist to wet soil (tolerates waterlogging, dislikes very dry or thin chalky soils). Most soil types (clay, loam, sand) and pH (acid–alkaline). Fully hardy (H6); suits exposed and coastal sites.
- Space: Can exceed 12 m tall and 8 m wide if left unpruned — plant well away from buildings, drains and pipes due to vigorous roots. Space 1–1.5 m apart if growing as a coloured-stem shrub.
- How: Dig a hole the depth of the root and twice as wide; plant at the same depth as in the pot/container. Water well and mulch. Keep watered for the first 1–2 years until established.
- Maintenance: Coppice or pollard hard in late winter/early spring (every 1–3 years) to maximise bright young stems and control size.