Salix hastata
Salix hastata · Salicaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around salix hastata and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 0.5 to 1.5 m in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -25 °C)
- Origin
- Alps and mountains of Central Europe
- Soil type
- Fresh, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils
Care
Watering
The hastate willow appreciates fresh, moist soils during the growing season. Water regularly when planting and for the first two years, particularly in summer. Once well established, it tolerates dry periods thanks to its deep rooting, but prefers constant water supply.
Exposure
Plant the hastate willow in full sun or partial shade. It develops best with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct daily sunlight for abundant flowering. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Pruning and training
Perform light pruning after flowering to maintain a compact shape. The hastate willow tolerates rejuvenation pruning if necessary. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches in late winter. Measured pruning promotes a harmonious silhouette.
Soil and preparation
Prepare rich organic matter, fresh and well-drained soil. Incorporate compost or potting soil when planting. Avoid compacted or overly dry soils that limit growth. Light mulch on the surface helps retain moisture.
Nutrition and fertilizer
In spring, apply balanced fertilizer or well-decomposed compost to support growth and flowering. The hastate willow is moderately demanding in nutrients. Avoid excess nitrogen which would stimulate foliage at the expense of flowering.
Health and pests
The hastate willow is generally robust. Monitor for cankers or rust in very humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Good air circulation prevents most fungal problems. Aphids may occasionally affect it: a water spray is usually sufficient.
Did you know?
The hastate willow is a typical shrub of alpine meadows, where it plays a major ecological role in stabilizing slopes. Its name 'hastate' comes from the shape of its leaves, which resemble lance heads (hasta in Latin). This mountain shrub is valued by gardeners for its compact habit and silky catkins that illuminate mountain gardens in spring.
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.