Salix myrsinites

RHS Plant Profile
myrtle willow

Other common names

whortle-leaved willow

Synonyms

Salix procumbens

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Pruning group 1

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