Violet willow (Salix daphnoides)

Violet willow (Salix daphnoides) is a tree that can grow 3m – 8m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Violet willow (Salix daphnoides).

This plant has several common names including: violet willow or European violet willow.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: violet willow, European violet willow
Scientific name: Salix daphnoides
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: 3m – 8m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Low Maintenance

Seasonal colors

How to plant Violet willow (Salix daphnoides) – Hedwig Storch, 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 Violet willow (Salix daphnoides), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Violet willow (Salix daphnoides) 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.

It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.

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

Sunlight

Violet willow (Salix daphnoides) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Violet willow (Salix daphnoides) – Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons