Salix helvetica

Willows in many botanical species are typical for Central European and Czech flora. You can find them in many places, especially on the damp woodland margins where they form airy trees with rounded crowns, on the banks of ponds and dams, and almost anywhere in neglected locations with enough water in the soil. They are often tall trees and shrubs, but there are also species and varieties which due to their smaller height are also suitable for small and mid-sized gardens.

Swiss willow is a cute little shrub, a uniquely dwarf version of willow. It is our native taxon whose natural habitat extends north-east to Poland, south-west to France, and is most often found in the Alps and Tatras. You can recognize it by its smoot, soft leaves. They are deciduous, 5-6 cm long, narrowly oblong to elliptic, bright green and glossy but covered with such a layer of silvery indumentum that the overall impression is rather pale blue-green. In spring before the leaves emerge appear short, erect, dense catkins which belong among the first bee food source.

It naturally forms low, dome-shaped shrubs only about 80 cm tall and slightly wider. Pruning can be done after flowering, but due to slow growth it is usually not required. It is ideal for small gardens and rock gardens.

Willows generally tolerate almost any soil conditions except pure sandy soil, but with the Swiss willow we must respect its rocky origin and ensure that its soil is not waterlogged, as it is not ready to take all the water. Soil pH is not too important. It prefers full sun or only light shade and can handle harsh winters and summer heat. Hardy to approx. -37 °C and is also suitable for containers with good water drainage.

Last update 22-03-2023