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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names purple osier purple willow
bitter willow basket willow
Synonyms Salix purpurea 'Helix'
Family Salicaceae
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
Details S. purpurea is a spreading shrub or small tree to 5m, with arching purplish shoots bearing narrowly oblong, blue-green leaves and slender silvery catkins on bare shoots in early spring
Plant range Europe, C. Asia
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Spreading / Branched
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H6
Full Sun
Aspect South-facing or North-facing or West-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Loam
Clay
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
SoilLoam, Clay, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 4-8 metres
Ultimate spread 2.5-4 metres
Time to ultimate height 10-20 years
Cultivation Grow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils
Propagation Propagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types Low Maintenance Hedging & Screens Coastal Wildlife Gardens
Pruning Pruning group 1
Pests Can get aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles and sawflies
Diseases May be subject to willow anthracnose diseases and a rust
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