Salix elaeagnos
Willow, Hoary willow, Rosemary willow, Bitter willow
Also known as Salix incana, Salix rosmarinifolius
- Height × spread
- 4m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a rather beautiful, airy-looking large shrub. The leaves are long and slender and taper to a point at either end. When young they are covered in a grey down, and turn green with maturity, though the underleaf colour remains white. The leaves are held on slim reddish brown young stalks. There are small vertical catkins in April and May, the female ones, slightly longer, but are not a major feature. It is ideally suited to a waterside position. It comes from the south and centre of Europe as well as Asia Minor and is often found growing in association with the visually similar Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).
- Foliage colour
- Green, Grey, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
More Salix
Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock'
Kilmarnock Willow, Goat willow, Great Sallow, Pussy willow, Florist's willow
Salix
Willow, Osier, Sallow
Salix 'Iceberg Alley®'
American hoary-leaved willow
Salix acutifolia 'Blue Streak'
Caspian willow
Salix aegyptiaca
Musk willow, Egyptian musk willow, Calaf of Persia willow
Salix alba
White willow
Salix alba
Willow, White willow
Salix alba 'Aurea'
White willow