Salix purpurea 'Gracilis'
purple willow 'Gracilis'
A compact, low-growing deciduous shrub with a dense rounded habit, reddish-purple multi stems that appear vibrant after autumns leaf fall, and blue-green foliage. Silvery catkins appear in early spring
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver | Blue Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Green | |||
Autumn | Red Purple | Blue Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
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
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk soils
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles and sawflies
Diseases
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose diseases and a rust
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