Key features
Final size4 x 3 in 20 years
FoliageYellow-green leaves with autumn colour (deciduous)
PositionFull sun
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil, wet-tolerant
Description
Bring some sunshine to the garden with a Salix udensis ‘Golden Sunshine’. Sometimes referred to as a Japanese Fantail Willow, this Salix tree is upright and compact but bushy, and grows vivid, bright yellow leaves which are lance-like in shape. Small catkins emerge in spring and later in the year, when the leaves drop, red/brown bare stems provide further winter interest. Preferring a full sun position, Salix ‘Golden Sunshine’ is ideal for a sunny mixed border, and would look particularly striking alongside a shrub with darker leaves such as a Smoke Bush ‘Royal Purple’.
Like all Willows, Salix ‘Golden Sunshine’ will tolerate wet, poorly draining soils, so is ideal for planting next to a pond or stream or other area at risk of flooding. Low-maintenance, easy to grow and fully hardy, this Willow will reach an approximate height and spread of 4 x 3 metres in 20 years.
AKA Golden Willow ‘Sunshine’, Japanese Fantail Willow, Salix sachalinense ‘Golden Sunshine’
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.
