Purple Willow 60/80cm (2L)

The Purple Willow – Salix purpurea, also known as Purple Osier, is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and Western Asia. Renowned for its slender, flexible branches that take on a distinctive purple hue, especially in winter, this willow species adds a unique touch of colour to wetland areas, riverbanks, and garden landscapes. Growing to a height of 2-5 meters, it forms a bushy, multi-stemmed structure that can spread to create dense thickets if left unpruned. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and arranged alternately along the stems, turning a soft yellow in autumn before falling.

In early spring, before the leaves appear, Purple Willow produces catkins – the male plants bearing silver-grey catkins that turn yellow with pollen, while female plants display smaller, greenish catkins. These early-flowering catkins provide a vital source of nectar and pollen for emerging insects, making the Purple Willow an important plant for supporting early-season biodiversity.

Purple Willow is particularly valued for its use in basketry and other traditional crafts. The long, flexible stems, known as withies, are harvested annually and used to create a variety of woven products. This practice, known as coppicing, not only provides sustainable materials but also rejuvenates the plant, encouraging vigorous new growth.

In garden settings, Purple Willow can be used to create living structures such as domes, tunnels, or screens. It’s also excellent for stabilizing soil on banks or in areas prone to erosion, thanks to its extensive root system. The plant’s ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it ideal for rain gardens or boggy areas where other plants might struggle.

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 fertilizer 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