Salix x rubra 'Eugenei'

Salix x rubra 'Eugenei' is named after the Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III and has slender, upright branches which are festooned with dainty pink catkins in late winter. A vigorous, elegant and unusual willow similar to bamboo in habit with a narrow leaf, we find that it is most attractive when coppiced yearly.

Unusually, the catkins occasionally appear in clusters of three on the stems of established plants, but this is quite variable and often they are arranged in opposite pairs.

In our opinion Salix x rubra 'Eugenei' is best planted next to ponds or streams as this highlights the catkins particularly well!

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil. Salix x rubra 'Eugenei' enjoys damp or wet soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Vigorous.
• Habit: Large branching shrub or small tree if left unpruned.
  • Height: 4 m (13 ft) or up to 2 m (6 ft) if coppiced yearly.
  • Spread: 4 m (13 ft) or 2 m (5 ft) if coppiced yearly.

• Notes: This plant is a hybrid between Salix purpurea and Salix viminalis.