%20Salix%20viminalis%20(basket%20willow)%20at%20Krems%20an%20der%20Donau%2C%20Austria.jpg)
Basket willow
Salix viminalis · Salicaceae
📷 GT1976 · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around basket willow and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to May (catkins)
- Adult size
- Up to 5 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe
- Soil type
- Fresh to moist, well-drained
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Basket willows (Salix viminalis) love water: plant it near a water source or in a damp area where it'll really thrive. Do strong pruning each winter (coppicing) to get beautiful young shoots.
The common mistake
Planting it in a dry zone or doing light pruning instead of hard pruning makes it weak, with few flexible young stems.
The pro's trick
Coppice completely every year in February to get vigorous 1-2m shoots the following year, perfect for basketry or stakes.
Seasonal watch
In hot, dry summers, even with its water needs, water intensely: lack of water slows down wood growth.
Care
Watering
Willow loves fresh and moist soils. Water regularly, especially during growth periods and prolonged droughts. Once established, it tolerates marshy soils well and will benefit from a position near a water feature.
Sunlight
Install your willow in full sun for optimal growth and better rod production. It also tolerates partial shade, but wood formation will be less vigorous. Avoid overly shaded locations.
Pruning
Prune annually in late winter (February-March), before growth resumes. Cut the rods back to 20-30 cm from the ground to encourage the emergence of new supple shoots sought after for basketry. Regular pruning rejuvenates the plant and increases production.
Soil
Willow thrives in fresh to moist soils, slightly acidic to neutral. Adding organic matter (compost) when planting will facilitate rooting. It copes well with heavy soils and even temporarily flooded terrain.
Fertilizing
An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is generally sufficient. If the plant shows signs of weakness, balanced fertilizer diluted in watering can be applied. Avoid excess nitrogen which would weaken the wood structure.
Diseases and pests
Willow can be affected by aphids or caterpillars, manage them depending on infestation intensity. Ensure good air circulation and avoid stagnant excess moisture to prevent fungal diseases. Regular pruning strengthens its natural vigor.
Did you know?
Used since Antiquity for basketry and basket making, willow was particularly valuable in rural economies during the Middle Ages. Its flexible and resistant rods shaped generations of basketmakers, and this tradition continues today in many European regions where ancient crafts are still kept alive.
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.