Salix helvetica
🍃leaf (5)
🌸flower (5)
🍎fruit (5)
🌳bark (4)
🌿habit (5)
🌱other (1)

Salix helvetica

Swiss willow · Swiss silver willow

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
0
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 3–7
Click count
38
Observations
142

Description

Source: leafsnap

Salix helvetica, the Swiss willow, is a scrubby willow species found in the Alps (from 1700 to 2700 m) and the Tatras portion of the western Carpathians (from 1600 to 2000 m). It is a naturally dwarf, erect shrub, growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall and broad, with silvery undersides on the leaves, and silvery catkins appearing with the leaves. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Swiss willow flourishes in cooler climates with consistent moisture. To maintain healthy, lush foliage, it should be watered twice a week to prevent waterlogging. Ideally grown outdoors, the plant benefits from natural rainfall, especially during its active growing season when it requires the most water.

☀️ Light Full sun

Swiss willow grows in open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, where light is plentiful. It thrives in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Swiss willow?

Swiss willow (Salix helvetica) requires specific conditions in terms of sunlight to thrive. For 'Full sun,' the plant needs to be exposed to more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. If the condition is 'Partial sun,' then about 3-6 hours of sunlight per day is sufficient. It's important to observe the way sunlight moves throughout your garden to find the best spots that offer an ideal balance of light and shade. This careful placement ensures your Swiss willow remains healthy and happy.

🌡️ Temperature 0–32.2°C
Ideal temperature: 0–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Swiss willow in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular fertilization boosts overall health, leading to vigorous growth, greater resilience to harsh conditions, and improved resistance to diseases and pests. Maintain a specific fertilization schedule for your Swiss willow to ensure foliage that is vibrant, richly colored, and lush.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

The Swiss willow has slender branches and silvery leaves. To keep it healthy, prune it in early spring. Remove any damaged wood and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and light exposure. Make sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time to minimize stress and encourage healthier growth.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Salix
Family
Salicaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-7
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Spread
40 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Gray
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, France

Tags (5)

Common Names (2)

en Swiss willow
en Swiss silver willow