Willow

There's a willow for every gardener. If you don't have room for a weeping willow tree, consider one of the fantastic shrub varieties. Most shrubby willows are prized for their beautiful, limber branches that dance with every gust of wind. There are a variety of shrubby willows, but perhaps the best for the landscape is dwarf arctic willow (Salix purpurea 'Nana'). This little charmer has red-tinged shoots with rich blue-green leaves. And in the spring, small green catkins dangle from the branches.

Willows are tolerant of poor, wet soil and grow well in full sun or part shade. The vigorous plants are easily pruned into hedge form if desired.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

4-7

Plant Type:

Shrub

Plant Height:

To 8 feet tall

Plant Width:

To 8 feet wide

Flower Color:

Green

Bloom Time:

Spring

Landscape Uses:

Beds & Borders

Special Features:

Attractive Foliage,Winter Interest,Tolerates Wet Soil,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Dappled willow

Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' is one of the boldest shrubby willows, offering strongly pink- and white-variegated new growth. It's a vigorous grower that can reach 8 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-7
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Dwarf arctic willow

Salix purpurea 'Nana' offers delightful blue-green foliage and a compact habit that makes it ideal for use as a low hedge. It grows 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide, though it is sometimes grafted onto a standard as a small tree. Zones 4-7
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Japanese creeping willow

Salix reticulata is an unusual groundcover shrub offering dark green leaves that are silver and fuzzy on the bottoms. It grows 3 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Zones 2-6
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Propagation

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Stem Cuttings