Salix glaucosericea
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Salix glaucosericea

Bluish Willow · Alpine gray willow · Alpine grey willow · Silky willow

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low
Temperature
5–32 °C
Hardiness
Zone 3–7
Click count
1
Observations
4

Description

Source: leafsnap

Salix glaucosericea, common name silky willow or Alpine grey willow, is a species of flowering plant in the Salicaceae family. Some authorities consider it a synonym of Salix glauca var. villosa, which is found in western North America.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The bluish willow needs regular watering, particularly for seedlings and young plants during the summer. While mature plants are drought-resistant, they are usually watered daily around 5 PM, depending on how dry the soil is. These plants have a high tolerance for water-logging, so extra water drainage isn't necessary.

☀️ Light
🌡️ Temperature 5–32°C

Bluish willow is highly adaptable to a variety of climatic conditions, from blazing summers to freezing winters. Nevertheless, it has an ideal temperature range for growth. If temperatures rise too much, the plant can suffer heat and humidity stress that may kill it. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it is important to apply insulation measures to protect the plant.

Ideal temperature: 5–32°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer

To encourage healthy growth, fertilize your Bluish willow in early spring. Regular feeding boosts its overall health, producing vigorous growth, increased tolerance of harsh conditions, and improved resistance to diseases and pests. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule for your Bluish willow to preserve vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

To ensure the health and growth of a bluish willow, proper care and regular pruning are essential. Pruning improves air circulation and light access, which are crucial for the plant's well-being. For seedlings, it's best to concentrate on developing a single main branch. After making trimming cuts, apply tung oil to protect the exposed areas. The ideal times for pruning are early spring, late fall, and winter.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Salix
Family
Salicaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-7
Mature Height
1.22 m
Mature Spread
1.52 m
Leaf Color
Silver
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 4.06 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer
Native Area
Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France

Tags (6)

Common Names (4)

en Bluish Willow
en Alpine gray willow
en Alpine grey willow
en Silky willow