Salix alba 'Britzensis'

A popular, easy to grow form of willow, Salix alba subsp vitellina 'Britzensis' has brilliant golden to orange-scarlet branches which are vivid in winter, especially if pruned back hard annually. An excellent choice of willow for adding colour to a winter garden and particularly eye-catching when planted in small groups.

• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil. Salix alba subsp. vitellina 'Britzensis' enjoys damp or wet soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Vigorous.
• Habit: Eventually a medium sized, upright tree if left unpruned (The photos below show both a coppiced plant and a specimen which has been allowed to grow as a tree).
  • Height: 10 m (32 ft) or 2 m (6 ft) if coppiced yearly.
  • Spread: 8 m (26 ft) or 1.5 m (5 ft) if coppiced yearly.

• Notes: Salix alba subsp. vitellina 'Britzensis' makes an effective garden plant if pruned back to 30 cm (1 ft) above the ground each spring before coming into leaf. This reduces the end size and encourages it to produce vigorous, very colourful new growth!