Salix magnifica

RHS Plant Profile
foot-catkin willow
foot-catkin willow RHS 2003

Other common names

magnolia-leaved willow

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A deciduous shrub to 5m tall, of open habit, with red-brown shoots and handsome, magnolia-like dark blue-green leaves to 20cm in length. Slender male catkins to 18cm, females to 25cm, open after the leaves in late spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile deep soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pollarding every 3-4 years

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust