Salix purpurea 'Dark Dicks' (f)
A deciduous shrub, with slender upright stems that are reddish when young, and mature to dark purple-brown. Leaves are narrow, and dark green with a paler midrib, and slender green catkins, the male with purple anthers, in early and mid spring. This cultivar is often used for weaving and basketry
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Red | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Purple Brown | Green Yellow | ||
Winter | Purple Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in deep, moisture retentive soil, ideally in full sun. Will tolerate some waterlogging, but dislikes shallow chalk
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, gall mites, flea beetles, sawfly larvae, and willow scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, watermark disease, willow heart rot, rust diseases, crown gall, honey fungus, root rot, silver leaf, and tar spot
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