Salix purpurea - 40-60 CM C2

Description
The Purple osier (Salix purpurea) is a bushy, broad, large shrub that produces purple-red flowers arranged in catkins. They appear from March to April. The Purple osier also has lanceolate, medium green leaves. Its bark is grey. In a sunny to semi-shady location with well-drained, calcareous soil, it usually reaches a height of around 6 metres and grows to a width of around 6 metres.

Bulletpoints
* red-brown shoots * suitable for flowering hedges * tolerates pruning * heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, tolerant of urban climates, shade-tolerant, flood-tolerant

Leaves
The deciduous leaves of the Purple osier are medium green, lanceolate, alternate. They are about 8 - 10 cm in size.

Bark
Grey bark makes this plant an eye-catcher in any garden.

Spread
Europe to North Africa.

Frost hardiness
The Purple osier has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Purple osier is a bushy and broad-growing large shrub. It usually reaches a height of 3 - 6 m and is approx. 3 - 6 m wide.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Pruning
This plant is tolerant of pruning.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the ground is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
- A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time. - This plant does not tolerate heavy soil. If necessary, the soil structure can be improved when planting by working in sand and mature compost.

Flower
The purple-red flowers of Purple osier appear in catkins from March to April.

Use
Solitary, hedge

Shoots
The shoots of Salix purpurea are red-brown in colour.

Root
Salix purpurea is a heartroot and, depending on the soil, forms densely branched roots.