Product description
Scarlet Willow Tree is great to plant in a garden where you have the luxury of a lot of space. It is a tall growing and large tree that offers spectacular winter interest with scarlet, golden orange and red branches that almost seem to glow. Perfect to add a touch of colour to a bare garden!
The Scarlet Willow features features bright red young shoots in spring that hold the emerging mid-green foliage. This look is particularly attractive when your garden is waking up to the new season. Spring also brings pretty yellow catkins. The leaves remain green through the summer and fall in the winter. At this stage, the Scarlet Willow lives up to its name with its bare, exposed, stunning scarlet branches.
Plant your tree in moist, well-drained soil and allow a lot of space. The tree can reach heights of 10 to 17m and a spread of 8m in a 20 year period, becoming an unmissable focal point in your garden. It is fully hardy and enjoys full sun. if you have green fingers and want to try pollarding or coppicing, the Scarlet Willow takes well to this treatment. You will be rewarded with a fresh growth of scarlet branches and your tree will remain smaller.
To create a wonderful contrast of colours and textures, plant next to a ‘White Willow’ variety from this same genus as it offers lovely silvery leaves.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Willow trees in late winter or early spring to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Regular pruning not only promotes a neat appearance but also helps to control the size of fast-growing varieties, ensuring your tree remains an elegant feature in your outdoor space.
How to Water
Water your Willow regularly during its first year to establish strong roots, especially in dry periods. Once established, Willow trees tolerate damp conditions and can thrive in waterlogged areas. Check the soil regularly and water deeply if the top layer becomes dry, particularly in hotter weather. Avoid overwatering in already wet environments, as this can lead to overly saturated soil, which may hinder root health.
How to Plant
To plant a Willow tree, choose a location with moist, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of similar depth, allowing the roots to spread freely. Position the tree so the root collar sits at ground level, backfill with soil, and firm gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and ensure good root contact. Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds but keep it clear from the trunk to prevent rot.