Species violet willow
olive-green leaves with yellow midribs on dark-brown stems

violet willow

Salix daphnoides

Violet Willow (Salix daphnoides) is a moderate-sized deciduous shrub bearing long, lanceolate leaves with deep purple undersides. Its branches droop and turn bright yellow in the autumn. The shrub produces clusters of round cones in the spring and its silvery flowers are hermaphroditic, pollinated by wind. It is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels as well as seasonal flooding. Vigorous and fast-growing, it can reach up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide when mature. With its attractive foliage and pleasing shape, violet willow is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to garden designs, and provides a strong structural element in landscapes.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Grayish white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze,green,violet

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Violet Willow (Salix daphnoides) need regular watering. They should be watered deeply when the soil is dry to the touch. Water thoroughly once per week during the active growing season and then every 2 weeks during the winter months. Provide additional watering if the plant experiences extended periods of dry weather or if it is planted in a container. Avoid over-watering, as this can cause leaf and stem rot.

sunlight

Violet willow (Salix daphnoides) grows best in full sun to partial shade, with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day being optimal. It should be placed in an area with protection from winter winds and windy summers. The shrub will tolerate frost and can handle temperatures up to -20F (-29C). It will do best in areas where temperatures don't usually stay below freezing for long periods of time. The willow prefers moist or wet soils but can also tolerate some periods of dryness.

pruning

The best time to prune a violet willow (Salix daphnoides) is early to late spring during late April or May. Pruning should be done lightly with only the dead or weak branches removed, as any heavy pruning can weaken the plant, making it vulnerable to disease or other problems. As a general rule, violet willows should only be pruned annually and only to remove dead, dying, or diseased wood. If more drastic pruning is required, it should be done over a period of 3 to 4 years, allowing time for the plant to re-establish a healthy growth rate.

Season

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

Salix daphnoides typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map