£21.05
Purple Willow, or Salix purpurea, is a handy, fast-growing shrub or small tree that’s known for its purplish stems and early spring catkins. Growing 4-8 metres tall, it’s just the ticket for wet areas, stopping soil erosion, and wildlife gardens.
It’s also great for basket making and living structures, and it keeps things interesting year-round while being a proper boon for wildlife.
Available now.
Delivery usually within a few days.
Feel free to call 01257 752247 or email us if you would prefer to order on the phone or have any questions. Trade / wholesale enquiries are welcome.
The Purple Willow *Salix purpurea*, commonly called Purple Osier, is a beautiful deciduous shrub or small tree that originates from Europe and Western Asia. Well-known for its thin, bendy stems that develop a lovely purple colour, particularly during winter months, this willow variety brings distinctive colour to wet areas, stream edges, and gardens. Reaching 2-5 metres tall, it creates a bushy form with multiple stems that can spread into thick clumps without regular pruning. Its leaves are slim and spear-shaped, growing alternately along the branches, and they turn pale yellow in autumn before dropping.
During early spring, before new leaves emerge, Purple Willow shows off its catkins – male plants produce silvery-grey catkins that become yellow with pollen, whilst female plants have smaller, green-tinted catkins. These early catkins offer essential nectar and pollen for insects just becoming active, making Purple Willow a valuable plant for supporting wildlife in early seasons.
Purple Willow is especially prized for basket weaving and other traditional crafts. The long, pliable stems, called withies, are cut each year and woven into various products. This cutting method, called coppicing, gives sustainable materials whilst refreshing the plant and promoting strong new shoots.
In gardens, Purple Willow works well for making living features like domes, tunnels, or screening. It’s brilliant for holding soil together on slopes or erosion-prone spots, thanks to its spreading roots. Its love of wet conditions makes it perfect for rain gardens or boggy patches where other plants might fail.
Plant Purple Willow in full sun to partial shade in moist to wet soil. It’s adaptable to most soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, as it thrives in damp conditions. Prune hard in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage vibrant new growth. For basket-making, coppice annually. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth. While generally hardy and disease-resistant, keep an eye out for willow beetles or gall-forming insects, which rarely cause significant harm.
**Ultimate height**
4–8 metres
**Time to ultimate height**
10–20 years
**Ultimate spread**
2.5–4 metres
Shaw Green Trees aim to have your order with you in fastest time possible and safest method of transport. Dependent on the parcel size and geographical destination in mind with will select the most suitable courier.
You are welcome to collect any times from our nursery in Euxton, Lancashire. Please contact us to arrange a suitable date and time.
Seeds
We generally send seeds out via Royal Mail Second Class. It’s the safest and easiest way to deliver seeds.
Young Trees
Young trees (Less than 1.2m) will generally be sent via Evri.
Larger quantities of young trees will be sent via ParcelForce or pallet courier..
Huge Trees
Some of our huge trees are too tall to be sent via a courier. They are generally only available for collection from our nursery, local delivery or via occasionally pallet courier. This will be shown on the individual product page.
Located in Euxton, West Lancashire, our business is dedicated to providing high-quality UK-grown trees and seeds.
With a focus on sustainability and local sourcing, we offer a diverse range of tree species, ensuring that our customers receive the finest selection of UK-native trees and seeds.
From majestic oaks to delicate blossoms, our stock is carefully cultivated to thrive in the British climate, making it the perfect choice for both amateur gardeners and seasoned professionals.
With a commitment to environmental stewardship and customer satisfaction, we aim to be your reliable ally in crafting stunning and eco-conscious landscapes throughout the UK.
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