Graham's willow
Salix grahamii · Salicaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around graham's willow and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Salix grahamii
- Type
- Deciduous shrub
- Adult height
- About 3 m
- Exposure
- Partial shade to partial sun
- Water requirements
- High, prefers moist soils
- Flowering
- Spring (March to May)
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Origin
- North America
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Willow needs constantly moist soil, or better yet, proximity to water: it's a riverside tree. Plant it where water doesn't evaporate too quickly.
The common mistake
Planting it in well-drained normal soil: it languishes, the foliage pales, growth stops.
The pro's trick
Create a slight depression if you're not in a naturally wet area: make a simple basin around the base to trap rainwater.
Seasonal watch
In hot summers, keep the soil cool and moist; leaf edges dry out fast if water runs short.
Care
Exposure
Graham's willow thrives in partial shade to partial sun, ideally with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily. Avoid overly hot and dry exposures, particularly in Mediterranean regions. Slight afternoon shade protects the foliage from summer sunburn.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, without allowing it to become waterlogged. Water regularly during active growing periods (spring and summer), particularly during prolonged dry spells. In autumn and winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Soil
Prefer rich soil, slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining yet capable of retaining some moisture. Loamy or peaty soils are particularly suitable. Improve poor soil with compost or well-decomposed organic matter before planting.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after flowering (late May, early June) to maintain a harmonious shape and balance branching. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Avoid severe pruning as it will weaken the shrub; gentle annual pruning is usually sufficient.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring at bud break, or organic fertilizer (compost, manure) worked lightly into the surface. A second application in mid-June can support summer growth. Limit autumn applications to avoid stimulating unnecessary regrowth.
Diseases and pests
Graham's willow can be susceptible to aphids and scale insects, particularly in dry conditions. Watch for leaf spots or mildew; improve air circulation through proper pruning. Regular foliage misting helps prevent certain pests, but avoid wetting in late afternoon.
Did you know?
The genus Salix is among the oldest in terrestrial flora, with fossil records dating back over 100 million years. Willow has long fascinated human cultures: the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans already used it, while certain traditions associate it with flexibility and wisdom, due to its ability to bend without breaking.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- AspenPopulus tremula
- Goat willowSalix caprea
- Grey willowSalix cinerea
- White willowSalix alba
- Eared willowSalix aurita
- Creeping willowSalix repens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.