Salix fragilis 'Basfordiana'

A tough and vigorous willow which has beautiful golden-yellow young stems and is often grown as a branching shrub, coppiced every year or two for most vivid stem colour. The summer leaves are narrow and mid green in colour.

Although most ornamental when pruned back regularly for the stem colour, if left to grow this will gradually develop into a small to medium sized tree.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil. Salix fragilis 'Basfordiana' enjoys damp or wet soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Vigorous.
• Habit: Salix alba Salix fragilis 'Basfordiana' eventually grows to be a medium sized, upright tree if left unpruned (The photos above show a regularly coppiced plant in our gardens).
  • Height: 12 - 15 m (40 - 50 ft) or 2 m (6 ft) if coppiced yearly.
  • Spread: 8 - 10 m (26 - 32 ft) or 1.5 m (5 ft) if coppiced yearly.

• Notes: Salix fragilis 'Basfordiana' 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!