How to Grow Salix

Salix are deciduous shrubs or trees with lance-shaped foliage and small flowers in catkins. Some varieties are known better for their vibrant winter shoots or their foliage. Salix are best suited to banks, slopes, flower beds or borders within a cottage, coastal or informal garden setting. You should expect to see Salix grow up to a height and spread of 2.5-4 metres (8-13’).

Salix are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of clay, loam or sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Dig a hole that is the same depth and width as the root ball. Space companion plants 40cm (16”) apart and mixing a generous amount of peat moss to the planting area, mixing thoroughly to keep the ground moist. Water thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil into place. Salix are best positioned in an area of full sun or part shade.

It is important to retain moisture levels in your soil throughout active growth, especially during their first few weeks. You may wish to apply a layer of mulch to keep your plant cool and moist.

It is possible to propagate Salix by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from spring to summer or by hardwood cuttings from autumn to winter.