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Snow willow

Salix herbacea · Salicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around snow willow and prepare for winter.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
April to May, discrete catkins
Adult size
5 to 15 cm in height × 20 to 40 cm in spread
Growth
Very slow
Hardiness
Very hardy (cold zones, mountains)
Origin
Arctic and subalpine regions of Europe
Soil type
Cool, moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil

Care

Exposure

Choose a sunny to part-shade location for this alpine species. It tolerates windy areas well and will naturally follow the contours of the terrain. Sufficient light promotes compact growth and dense foliage.

Watering

Keep the soil cool and moist, especially during the growing season and warm months. In mountainous or cold climates, natural moisture is usually sufficient. Reduce watering in winter, but avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Soil

This dwarf willow prefers slightly acidic to neutral, humus-rich soil with good drainage to prevent root rot. A peat-based substrate mixed with sand or gravel works perfectly. Improve poor soil by adding well-decomposed compost.

Pruning and trimming

No mandatory pruning needed: this plant naturally develops a very low, spreading form. Simply remove dead or diseased branches in spring. Prune lightly to preserve its natural, compact habit.

Fertilizer

Apply minimal fertilizer: a light application of well-decomposed compost in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers that would encourage unruly growth. A plant on poor but well-structured soil thrives naturally.

Diseases and pests

Generally robust, the matgrass willow mainly dislikes stagnant moisture, which can cause root rot. Check drainage and aerate the base if needed. Watch for aphids or rust in very humid climates, but treatment is rarely necessary in alpine cultivation.

Did you know?

Salix herbacea is the smallest willow in the world: some specimens measure barely 2 cm in height! In alpine mountain regions, it grows at extreme altitudes, reaching up to 4000 meters, where it forms tiny cushions colonizing rocky areas and high-altitude meadows, testament to the incredible resilience of arctic plants.

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.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.