Salix Magnifica
Salix Magnifica

Salix Magnifica

£29.99

2 in stock

SKU: salix-magnifica Categories: ,
Common Name: Foot Catkin Willow
Size: 10 Litre
Hardiness: H5
Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees ˚C) are shown in brackets

  • H1a: under glass all year (>15˚C)
  • H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15 ˚C)
  • H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10 ˚C)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5 ˚C)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1 ˚C)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5 ˚C)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10 ˚C)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15 ˚C)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20 ˚C)
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10 Litre Pot

  • Position:  Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil:  Moist, well drained
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Hardiness: H5
  • Eventual height: 2.5 – 4m
  • Eventual spread: 2.5 – 4m

Salix Magnifica, commonly known as the ‘Foot Catkin Willow’, is a medium sized deciduous shrub that is native to the Western United States. It belongs to the Salicaceae family, which includes other popular Willow species such as the Weeping Willow and the White Willow.

The plant can grow up to 4 metres tall, with a rounded crown and a dense growth habit. Its bark is reddish-brown, and its leaves are long and narrow, bright green colour on the upper surface, while the underside is slightly lighter and covered in fine hairs.

One of the most striking features of this Salix  is its large, fluffy catkins. These appear in late Spring, after the leaves emerge, and are covered in silky, silver-white hairs.  The catkins are a popular choice for floral arrangements and add a unique and beautiful touch to any garden.

It is also valued for its practical uses. Its strong, flexible branches have been used for basketry and other crafts by Native American tribes for centuries. Additionally, the plant is an important food source for a variety of wildlife species, including birds and small mammals.

Overall, this is a beautiful and versatile plant species that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits. Whether you are looking to add a unique touch to your garden or provide a food source for wildlife, then this is a great choice.

How to care for your Salix Magnifica

  • Soil and Watering: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Make sure the soil around the plant does not dry out completely. Water the plant regularly during dry spells, especially in its first year after planting.
  • Sunlight: Can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. However, it will grow best in full sun.
  • Pruning: Prune in late Winter or early Spring, before the new growth appears. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune the plant to maintain its shape and size.
  • Fertiliser: Does not require much fertiliser. However, you can apply a slow-release fertiliser in early Spring if the soil is poor.
  • Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant with organic material such as compost or bark chips. This will help to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
  • Winter Protection: It is a hardy plant species, but young plants may need some Winter protection. Cover the plant with a frost blanket to protect it from frost damage.

By following these simple tips, you can help your Salix Magnifica plant grow and thrive for many years to come.