If you are looking for a willow that is also suitable for small gardens, I can recommend the purple willow. It only grows two to three meters tall.
Contrary to popular belief, the purple willow (Salix purpurea) fits into most allotments because it doesn't grow as a tree but as a shrub. The bushy trees can grow two to three meters high and are eye-catchers due to the red-colored bark. It was the branches that gave the purple willow its name.
In the past, the purple willow was cultivated extensively to make baskets from its branches. Other willow species are now being used for this purpose. The purple willow only fulfills the function of an attractive ornamental shrub.
Origin
The purple willow is one of the willow plants and stands out from the other willow species with its reddish bark and red catkins. The main distribution area is in Scandinavia. In the meantime, the plant has been able to establish itself throughout Europe and various hybrids have emerged.
| Purple willow (Salix purpurea) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | bushy, high reproductive capacity |
| Growth: | 300 - 450 cm |
| Growth: | 250 - 450 cm |
| Flower: | March - April |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | undemanding, moist, calcareous |
Find the right location
The plant proves to be extremely adaptable. The plant requires a bright spot in the sun or semi-shade. The purple willow is also often referred to as a stream willow. This suggests that the plants also feel in good hands near the garden pond. As a shallow root, the purple willow can even be planted on embankments and thus beautify gardens on slopes and at the same time protect the embankments against landslides.
As a solitary plant, the purple willow can impress in front gardens or in the background of borders. Hedge planting is also possible. The dense growth speaks for an advantageous view and wind protection.
Tip:
If you like being creative, you can make archways or wicker fences from the branches of the willow and thus create a harmonious environment.
Selecting the ideal substrate
You can cultivate the purple willow in any well-drained garden soil. In the wild, the plant grows on river banks on a sandy and gravelly subsoil. A nutrient-rich and calcareous substrate is preferred. Waterlogging should be avoided.
Plant Purple Willow
The ideal planting time for the purple willow is autumn. Frost should not prevail on the day of planting. It is best to proceed as follows when planting:
- Select Location
- Cultivate the ground
- Watering Purple Willow
- Dig a planting hole three times the size of the root ball
- Insert Crimson Willow
- Fill substrate
- Press purple willow well
- Mulch root area
- Watering Purple Willow
Tip:
Mix a heavy clay soil with sand or gravel before planting. This loosens the substrate and prevents waterlogging.
How to care for the purple willow properly
❍ Water Purple Willow:
In the first few years after planting, the purple willow should be protected from drying out. Sporadic watering during a prolonged drought is sufficient.
Once well rooted, the plants can cope with both heat and cold and only need occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
❍ Fertilize Purple Willow:
In the first few weeks after planting, there is no need to fertilize. Fertilizer cones can be applied later during the growing season. The long-term fertilizer is continuously released to the plant. Alternatively, you can also add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water.
❍ Pruning Purple Willow:
If the purple willow is cut back regularly, it will sprout more in spring and bushy and dense growth will be promoted. If the plant looks very unsightly or if it has diseased or dead branches, it can also be cut down to the ground.
If you want to promote a spherical growth habit with your purple willow, you have to cut it back completely every two to four years. In the late winter, the years without complete pruning are shortened to 30 centimetres.
❍ Detect diseases and pests:
The plants are robust and rarely affected by diseases or pests. Thereand again, however, the following plant diseases are observed:
- Rust fungus
- Hallimash
- Willow Anthracnose
In summer, purple willows can also be visited by aphids. However, this usually has no negative effects on the plants.
How to propagate purple willow
Propagation can easily be done with sticks. The sticks have a good growth guarantee. They are cut in autumn and planted in the ground at the desired location. In spring, the hobby gardener benefits from the plant's high budding power and can look forward to new shoots on the sticks.