What soil does Purple willow grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Purple willow hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Purple willow toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Purple willow toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should Purple willow be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Purple willow be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 2.5 plants per metre.

When does Purple willow flower?

Flowering: March–May, purple, silver.

How much water does Purple willow need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Purple willow cost?

It sells for roughly €2.60 to €47 in local shops, depending on size.

Purple willow

Salix purpurea

Purple willow (Salix purpurea) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €2.60.

Illustration of Purple willow — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A willow of river banks with thin, pliable purplish shoots that grows into a 3 to 5 metre bush in the wild, but gardens almost only get its dense, rounded dwarf form with narrow blue-grey leaves ('Nana', often sold as 'Gracilis') and the weeping 'Pendula' grafted on a stem. The dwarf form clips well, so it is a good choice for a low informal hedge, an edging and for wet, occasionally flooded soil, and bees visit its early spring catkins. Cut it back every year in late winter, rejuvenate it from the base every few years if needed, and water it in long dry spells.

Watch out for

The usual willow diseases turn up on it: blights, powdery mildew, leaf spots, scab and cankers, and its roots are susceptible to honey fungus. Common pests are aphids, scale insects, lacebugs, caterpillars and borers. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it thins out and drops leaves early unless watered. The wood is weak and splays or breaks under snow and ice, and without clipping the bush falls open and goes bare within a few years. The shallow roots can grow into drains and soakaways, so keep it away from pipes.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, purple, silver

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1–2 m × 1–2 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, purple, silver
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	Leaves
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €2.60

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-60 cm	approx. €8.60
60-100 cm	approx. €2.60
60-80 cm	approx. €29
60-70 cm	approx. €47
80-100 cm	approx. €2.90
100-125 cm	approx. €3.70
size not stated	approx. €14

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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