Purple Willow (salix purpurea)
60-100cm
£2.16
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Purple Willow (salix purpurea)
£2.16
Native UK deciduous shrub/small tree (typically 4–8 m high × 2.5–4 m spread). Attractive arching purplish young stems, narrow blue-green leaves (silvery undersides), and early spring silvery catkins.
Excellent for hedging/screens, coastal and wildlife gardens, waterside planting, erosion control, living willow structures, and traditional basketry (flexible withies). Fast-growing, fully hardy, low-maintenance, tolerant of wet/poor soils and salt, and valuable for pollinators and wildlife.
Planting summary:
- When: Late autumn to early spring.
- Where: Full sun (tolerates light shade); moist but well-drained or poorly drained soil (clay, loam, or sand). Any pH (acid/alkaline/neutral). Avoid shallow chalk and dry sites. Ideal near water, for hedges, or exposed/coastal spots. Keep well clear of buildings, drains, and pipes due to vigorous roots.
- How: Dig in organic matter (compost/manure) for moisture retention. Plant at same depth as previously grown (or push cuttings ~20–30 cm deep, buds up). Space ~25–50 cm apart for dense hedging or wider for specimens. Stake taller plants if needed. Water regularly in first 1–2 summers during dry spells.
- Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in late winter (cut back hard or coppice/pollard for best stem colour and size control). Generally low-maintenance once established.
Photo credit: Sten Porse, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)