Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’)

Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) is a tree that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 1.5m – 3m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’).
This plant has several common names including: Kilmarnock willow, Kilmarnock weeping willow or weeping great willow.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Kilmarnock willow, Kilmarnock weeping willow, weeping great willow
Scientific name: Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Pendulous / Weeping
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 1.5m – 3m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |

How to plant Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) – User:Bengt B, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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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).
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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.
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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.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’ likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) – APictche, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons