Shrubby willows

RHS Genus Guide

Shrubby willows provide eye-catching displays of downy catkins along their bare branches in late winter or early spring. Some also provide colourful stems in winter. There is a wide range to choose from, large and small, for borders, low hedging and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Botanical name: Salix

Common name: willow

RHS / Graham Titchmarsh

Appearance

Shrubby willows can be bushy and upright or rounded and spreading. They produce attractive fluffy catkins either just before or with the new leaves, in late winter to early spring, when plants will often be buzzing with bees, busy collecting the abundant pollen and nectar.

Preferences

Although shrubby willows grow well in most soil types, they prefer fertile soil that drains easily. They thrive in full sun or light shade.

Dislikes

They don't grow well in deep shade or in poor, very dry or very alkaline (chalky) soil.

Did you know?

The Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) naturally forms a large spreading shrub. But it is usually sold 'top grafted' onto the upright stem of another willow, so it forms a compact weeping tree, ideal for small gardens. Its pollen-rich golden catkins are a magnet for bees in spring.

RHS Growing Guide