Key features
Final size2.5 x 2.5 metres in 20 years
FoliageGreen leaves with silvery undersides (deciduous)
Eco benefitsRHS Plants for Pollinators
PositionFull sun
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
As featured on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh
Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ is a wonderfully architectural dwarf tree with heavily pendulous branches. It boasts bright yellow furry catkins in the spring that are popular with bees. The mid-green ovate leaves have soft grey undersides and cloth the branches attractively throughout the year. Then it winter, the weeping form looks stunning covered in frost or snow.
Most at home next to water and preferring full sun, Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ can also be container grown if a watering regime is established. Expect a height and spread of 2.5 x 2.5 metres in 20 years, less if kept in a container. Commonly known as the Kilmarnock Willow or Weeping Pussy Willow tree, we offer this delightful small tree in a range of top grafted heights to make the most of it weeping habit.
AKA Weeping Pussy Willow, Kilmarnock willow, Weeping sally, Salix caprea Pendula, Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
