Rosemary Leaf Willow Trees

Salix elaeagnos angustifolia / Rosmarinifolia Hedging

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Also known as hoary willow or narrow-leaved olive willow, is a lovely big shrub to grow on wet soil, with silvery grey foliage in spring and lush green leaves in summer that turn gold in autumn. After the leaves have fallen, the rusty coloured stems are on view in winter. Like all willows, Salix rosmarinifolia is an excellent plant for bees and butterflies. The latin name gives the leaf shape away they are very rosemary-like. This is one of the absolutely best willows to grow near still water, sited so you can see its reflection. 

Browse all of our other varieties of Willows for sale, view our selection of willow hedging or see our full range of hedging plants.

Rosemary Leaf Willow plants are only delivered bareroot, during winter (Nov-March). All of our young trees and shrubs are measured by their height in centimetres above the ground (the roots aren't measured).

Common Names: Hoary Willow, Rosemary Leaf Willow

History & uses of Salix rosmarinifolia: 

Formerly known as Salix rosmarinifolia, this tree has now officially been reclassified as Salix elaeagnos angustifolia, although most books haven't taken up the new name. It is a good source of thin, flexible stems for basket weaving when it is cut back hard every year. It has won the RHS Award of Garden Merit for being attractive and easy to grow.

Notes on planting Rosemary Leaf Willow:
Rosemary Leaf Willow will grow on any damp soil where there is a good amount of sun. It is suitable for exposed locations.

Prepare your site before planting:
It is good to dig over the area where you intend to plant several months in advance. Destroy the weeds first: nettles, brambles and ground elder are tough. Then dig the soil over; remove rocks, roots and other rubbish. Mix in well rotted compost or manure down to the depth of about 2 spades.
If you have a heavy clay soil, it might be too difficult to dig over for most of the year. Heavy clay is fertile soil, so you don't really need to improve it; killing the weeds is still necessary.

Remember to water establishing plants during dry weather for at least a year after planting.

Planting accessories:
Prepare your site for planting by killing the weeds and grass.
If you are planting in an area with rabbit and/or deer, you will need to use a protective plastic spiral for each plant, supported by a bamboo cane.
If your soil quality is poor, we recommend using mycorrhizal "friendly fungi" on the roots of new trees and shrubs.
You can also improve your soil with bonemeal organic fertiliser.

After you plant your Rosemary Leaf Willow trees, the most important thing to do is water them in dry weather. You will also need to weed around the plants. Both of these will be necessary for at least a year after planting.
Water thoroughly but not too often: let the soil get close to drying out before watering your plants again.

Special notes on caring for Rosemary Leaf Willow:
Rosemary Leaf Willow is a very tough plant that shouldn't need special attention once it has established. If pruning is necessary, it is best do it in winter. Always hire a tree surgeon to remove large branches.

Hygiene & Diseases:
Dead, damaged or diseased wood can be pruned off as soon as it appears.
Disinfect your pruning tools between every cut if there is any sign of disease.
Burn or dispose of any diseased material, do not compost it.