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Salix repens var. argentea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

silvery creeping willow

A deciduous bushy shrub, to 1m tall and 2m wide, initially upright in habit then arching and spreading. Narrowly-oval, densely-hairy leaves are grey-green above and silvery beneath and appear after the silvery catkins that mature to yellow in spring

Synonyms
Salix repens 'Argentea'
Salix repens var. nitida
see moreSalix nitida
Salix argentea
Salix arenaria
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Salix are deciduous shrubs and trees of diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. Some are valued for their brightly coloured winter shoots, others for their foliage or showy male catkins

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moderately fertile, moist soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust

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