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Downy willow

Salix lapponum · Salicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

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

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
April to May, silver catkins
Adult size
3 to 5 m in height
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -40°C
Origin
Subarctic and arctic regions (Scandinavia, Arctic)
Soil type
Moist to acidic soils, tolerates poor conditions

Care

Watering

The Lapland Willow appreciates constantly moist, even wet soils. Water regularly during the growing season, especially during dry summers. In temperate climates, natural rainfall is often sufficient once the shrub is well established.

Exposure

Expose your Lapland Willow to full sun or partial shade. Adequate light promotes generous flowering and a compact silhouette. It tolerates windy exposures and cold regions very well.

Soil and drainage

Choose moist, acidic to neutral soils rich in organic matter. This shrub adapts well to poor soils and isn't troubled by winter moisture. Improve soil structure with compost or peat if your soil is too compacted.

Pruning and structure

Prune lightly after flowering (May-June) to maintain a balanced bushy form. Remove dead or poorly positioned branches. Gentle pruning is sufficient; this willow doesn't require drastic interventions.

Fertilizer

An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is plenty. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering. No chemical fertilizer is necessary in naturally fertile soil.

Health and pests

The Lapland Willow is generally very robust. Watch for aphids in spring and rust in stagnant humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excessive foliar watering to minimize fungal risks.

Did you know?

The Lapland Willow is an emblematic shrub of subarctic ecosystems, where it played a crucial role in the lives of northern peoples: its flexible branches once served to make tools and structures, while its silver spring catkins remain a symbol of renewal in frozen lands. Introduced into temperate gardens, it retains this arctic grace and can become a wonderful spring focal point.

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.