Salix aegyptiaca
Musk willow, Egyptian musk willow, Calaf of Persia willow
Also known as Salix medemii
- Height × spread
- 8m × 3.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Winter
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This open, vigorous shrub has grey-green stems and catkins that appear before the leaves in early spring. The foliage is grey-green. It originates from Asia where a perfumed drink is made from the catkins of male plants. They were also doused in sugar and eaten as a sweetmeat, though in the plant carries a health warning as it can cause stomach problems. The catkins can also be used to perfume linen as they have a sweet fragrance.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Grey
- Stem colour
- Green, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 3.5m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, 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 to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
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
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