Species coral bark willow
green leaves and brown stems

coral bark willow

Salix alba subsp. vitellina 'Britzensis'

The Coral Bark Willow is a stunning deciduous plant. Grown mainly for its beautiful, bright orange bark, it can reach heights of 25 feet. It is also known for its delicate salmon-pink leaves and bright yellow flowers. This striking species is easy to care for and requires very little maintenance; it prefers moist soil and full sun or partial shade. With little pruning, it can provide an eye-catching backdrop or accent for any garden. Its vibrant colors are sure to draw attention and make a wonderful addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Yellowish-white to brown Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

High

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Coral bark willow requires regular watering, especially in the spring and summer when the tree is actively growing. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but should never be soggy or wet for extended periods of time. Water the soil thoroughly, being sure to moisten the entire root zone. During the growing season, water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) of soil are dry. During the winter, water every other week or when the soil is dry to the touch. Do not over-water, as this can lead to nutrient deficiencies, root rot, and in some cases, death of the plant.

sunlight

Coral bark willow (Salix alba subsp. vitellina 'Britzensis') grows best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best time for the plant to receive sunlight is in the early morning (around 8-10 am) and in the late afternoon (around 4-6 pm). The sun should be as close to overhead as possible, as this is the most intense sunlight and provides the most benefit to the plant. In addition, providing some partial shade in the hottest part of the day, around noon, can be beneficial for the coral bark willow.

pruning

Coral bark willow (Salix alba subsp. vitellina 'Britzensis') should be pruned in the late winter or early spring each year as the new growth emerges. Pruning should be limited to removing any dead or damaged branches and to thinning out overcrowding within the canopy of the tree. Cut back the branches by roughly 1-third of their length. This can help to encourage bushier, fuller growth and to reduce the risk of breakage due to strong winds or heavy snow. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to make your cuts as neatly as possible.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Salix alba subsp. vitellina 'Britzensis' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map