Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size4 metres in 20 years
FoliageSlender green leaves (deciduous)
FlowersBlack-deep purple catkins with red antlers
PositionFull sun, including exposed sites
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Salix gracilistyla ‘Melanostachys’ is a deciduous bushy Willow shrub. Its young leaves are grey and mature into large, glossy green leaves. In the winter, the shrub displays black-deep purple catkins on its red-brown stems. These catkins feature red-orange anthers, which have a pretty rosy-gold sheen in the sunlight, and turn yellow as they mature. This plant has received both the RHS Award of Garden Merit and the Plants for Pollinators awards, indicating that it is performs well and attracts pollinators like bees.
‘Melanostachys’ Willow prefers full sun and can be grown in a sheltered or exposed position in deep, moist, well-drained soil. It’s ultimate height and spread is approximately 4×4 meters.
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.
