Introducing...
Shrubby willows
Botanical name: Salix
Common name: willow
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.
Looks
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.
Likes
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.
Growing guide
How to grow shrubby willows
All the information you'll need to grow and care for shrubby willows in your garden.
Shrubby willows we recommend
Salix alba var. vitellina 'Yelverton'
golden willow 'Yelverton'
- Higher than 12 metres
- Wider than 8 metres
Salix daphnoides 'Aglaia' (m)
violet willow 'Aglaia'
- 4–8 metres
- 4–8 metres
Salix alba var. vitellina 'Yelverton'
golden willow 'Yelverton'
- Higher than 12 metres
- Wider than 8 metres
Salix daphnoides 'Aglaia' (m)
violet willow 'Aglaia'
- 4–8 metres
- 4–8 metres
Useful advice
Shrubs: smaller for year round interest
Plants for winter interest
Trees and shrubs: establishment problems
Trees and shrubs: removing suckers and seedlings
Wildlife: helping through winter
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