Heimia salicifolia

RHS Plant Profile
willow-leaf heimia
Shrubs

A bushy shrub to 3m tall, with narrow, willow-like leaves to 5cm long, and solitary yellow flowers 2.5cm wide in the leaf axils in summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lythraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Heimia are deciduous shrubs with small, untoothed leaves in pairs, and yellow, purple or blue flowers in the leaf axils
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S USA, C & S America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors grow a sheltered spot in full sun and well-drained soil. During the winter the top growth can be killed by frost, but often regenerates from the base. Provide deep dry mulch such as bark or bracken. Under glass grow in containers using peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit or sharp sand. Reduce watering in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Cut back frost damaged growth in spring

Pests

Under cover can suffer from common glasshouse pests

Diseases

Generally disease-free