Salix myrsinites
myrtle willow
A low-growing, spreading shrub, to around 50cm high, with dark reddish-brown young stems, and small, glossy green leaves with serrated edges, sometimes scattered with fine white hairs when young. The previous year's leaves sometimes remain on the plant until the following spring. Fluffy catkins with reddish purple anthers are produced alongside the new leaves in late spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Red Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N, NE Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
This species thrives on deep, fertile, calcareous soils. It will tolerate a range of conditions including poor drainage
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, including large willow bark aphid, caterpillars, willow leaf beetle, sawflies and willow scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, honey fungus and rust diseases
Get involved
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