Salix purpurea 'Eugenii' - Purple Willow

A male clone with ornamental qualities that match its many uses as a basket willow. Very hardy and vigorous, it has a striking presence when used as a specimen. A noticeable feature is the colour change of the catkins going from purple to red and ending with a pale yellow.

Due to its very flexible branches, it is highly suited to use in wattle fences.

Very similar to S. purpurea ssp lambertiana.

There are two ways to grow this plant - pruned or left to grow to its natural form. Read our page about pruning willows to find out more about coppicing and the resulting different plant form with an emphasis on colorful stems for winter interest.

According to Christopher Newsholme in the book Willow: The Genus Salix, Salix purpurea is bitter and unpalatable to livestock and rabbits.

Description: small pyramidal tree; 3-5 m (10-16') in height; decorative narrow leaves; showy catkins; highly ornamental throughout the year

Conditions: full sun to part shade; thrives with regular deep watering; tolerates a wide variety of soil types; prune every 1-3 years

Coldest zone: 3 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)