Bay willow (Salix pentandra)

Bay willow (Salix pentandra) is a shrub that can grow 8m – 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Bay willow (Salix pentandra).

This plant has several common names including: bay willow, bay-leaved willow, laurel-leaved willow, sweet willow or willow bay.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: bay willow, bay-leaved willow, laurel-leaved willow, sweet willow, willow bay
Scientific name: Salix pentandra
Plant type: Shrubs, Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding

Seasonal colors

How to plant Bay willow (Salix pentandra) – English: Credits : This image is not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated:, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.

They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.

Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.

How to plant

In this section we will learn how to plant Bay willow (Salix pentandra), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Bay willow (Salix pentandra) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.

• Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).

• The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.

• Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.

As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.

Regarding drainage, Salix pentandra likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.

Sunlight

Bay willow (Salix pentandra) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Bay willow (Salix pentandra) – Malte, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons