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ShrubsAlpine Rockery

Salix alpina
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A dwarf shrub, with thin, creeping stems and small, elliptic, glossy green leaves that are flushed bronze when young. Small, upright, reddish-purple catkins are produced alongside the new leaves in spring

Synonyms
Salix myrsinites 'Jacquinii'
Salix 'Jacquinii'
see moreSalix myrsinites var. jacquiniana
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Purple Green Bronze
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Trailing
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in well drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Ideal for a rock garden

Propagation

Propagate from semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, gall mites, flea beetles, sawfly larvae, and willow scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, watermark disease, rust diseases, crown gall, honey fungus, root rot, silver leaf, and tar spot

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