Salix viminalis

RHS Plant Profile
common osier
common osier RHS

Other common names

augers, basket willow, common withy, hemp willow, velvet osier

Plants for pollinators
Trees

A fast-growing large shrub or small tree to 6m tall, with shiny greenish-yellow young shoots and narrow leaves that are silver-hairy beneath; slender greenish catkins open before the leaves, in late winter

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
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
Eurasia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows in most moist soils except those that are alkaline. A position in full sun is ideal

Propagation

Propagate by greenwood cuttings or by hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars

Diseases

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