Salix helvetica - Willow
Salix helvetica - Willow
Salix helvetica - Willow
Salix helvetica
Swiss Willow
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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty
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Description
Salix helvetica, the Swiss willow, is a small but very robust botanical species, native to the European Alps. This bushy and compact shrub is recognizable by its twisted branches, but above all by the white-silver down that covers its foliage and branches, so that its vegetation seems entirely woven with almond-green velvet. Its silky, grey-silver catkins turn yellow when fully open, appearing at the same time as the foliage in April-May. Well adapted to small gardens, and especially to mountain climates, it thrives in the sun in well-drained beds and even in large, cool rockeries.
The Swiss willow belongs to the willow family. It is a deciduous botanical species native to marshy areas and the banks of high mountain streams throughout the European Alps. It is also found in Scotland and Norway. This small shrub has a compact and bushy habit, supported by short and knotty stems, branching near the ground. At maturity in lowland gardens this tiny willow will not exceed 1 metre (3 feet) in all directions. In this species, the entire vegetation is covered with a white and silky down that masks the dark green colour of the foliage and branches. The foliage is deciduous, with small leaves arranged alternately towards the top of the stems, oblong to elliptical in shape, measuring 1 to 3.5 cm (1in) in length. The upper surface is grey-green, covered with silky hairs. The underside is lighter, particularly woolly, and shows a prominent midrib. The very ornamental flowering, takes place in March-April, just before or at the same time as the leaves emerge, depending on the climate. Emerging from large yellow buds, the male flowers of this willow are grouped in ovoid catkins 5 cm (2in) long. The female inflorescences, borne by separate individuals, are slightly shorter. Initially silver and silky, they then release numerous yellow stamens. This flowering is appreciated by bees that come to collect pollen and nectar. It gives way to the formation of capsules that open at maturity to release seeds covered with bristles.
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Equally charming when planted alone, in a bed or as a low hedge, the Swiss willow, forged in knotty wood, possesses the unique and somewhat rugged charm of mountain plants. Its beautiful downy and silvery vegetation will be highlighted in a sober and rocky environment or in a flowery meadow, accompanied by plants chosen for their robustness. This shrub also has its place in contemporary gardens, often urban and small in size. Prune it every three years after flowering to encourage it to thicken and produce many flowering branches. For example, it can be associated with perennial plants and shrubs from mountainous regions such as savory, sunroses, purple broom, Arabis, Alyssum, and bellflowers. In an infoemal hedge with well-drained soil that remains moist, it can be combined with spring-flowering shrubs such as flowering cherry trees, ornamental apple trees, or even purple Berberis. Consider creating bouquets with its branches adorned with silky catkins. In a vase, they beautifully complement those of the Prunus triloba and other flowering cherry and plum trees that will be awakened by the warmth of the house.
Salix helvetica - Willow in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Salix
helvetica
Salicaceae
Swiss Willow
Alps
Planting and care
Plant the Swiss Willow in autumn, in a very sunny location. It requires well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic, neutral to limestone but remaining moist throughout the year. This mountain willow dislikes heatwaves and excessively dry soils. Ideally, use a mixture composed of half potting soil and half garden soil mixed with coarse sand when planting, if your soil is clayey and heavy. It is perfectly resistant to cold and severe frosts. To promote a bushy habit and the formation of catkin-bearing branches, prune after flowering, every 2 or 3 years.
Diseases and pests of willows:
The leaves and branches are susceptible to various fungal diseases. Collect all the leaves in autumn, burn them, and treat with Bordeaux mixture. Many insects such as aphids, crioceris beetles, and caterpillars devour the foliage.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.
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