Salix Exigua

5 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Average
• Flowering Period: March-April
• Hardiness: H5
• Eventual Height: 3-4m
• Eventual Spread: 4-5m

Salix Exigua, also known as the ‘Coyote Willow’ and holder of the much coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to North America. It is known for its narrow lance shaped, grey/green leaves, long, slender branches, and producing grey/yellow catkins.

Salix Exigua is highly valued for its hardiness and ability to tolerate harsh conditions such as drought, salt and alkaline soils. It is a popular choice for landscaping in areas with poor soil conditions and limited water resources. It can be used in different ways, such as a living fence, wildlife habitat, and soil stabilisation. It is also a fast-growing species, and it can reach a height of up to 4 metres.

The history of Salix Exigua can be traced back to the Indigenous peoples of North America, who have used the plant for medicinal and practical purposes for centuries. The bark and leaves have been used to treat various ailments, and the branches were used for basket making, among other uses.

How to care for your Salix Exigua

1. Planting: Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
2. Watering: It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it is important to water the plant regularly during its first growing season to help it become established. In general, it is a good idea to water the plant once a week if there is no significant rainfall.
3. Pruning: Prune in late Winter or early Spring, before new growth appears. This will help to maintain the plant’s shape and encourage healthy new growth.
4. Fertilising: It does not require heavy fertilisation to thrive. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied in the Spring will be sufficient to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.