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Further Information
You'll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed in the product grid. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you're willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.
For more information on planting distances please see our planting density advice section.
For more information on planting distances please see our planting density advice section.
Pruning Advice
White Willow (Salix alba) is best pruned during its dormant season in late winter or early spring. Pruning later in the year, may result in the subsequent new growth being damaged by the following winter weather.
Willow requires little maintenance in terms of pruning to shape as it develops a good framework naturally. If required, cut out any dead, diseased or damaged branches to retain the overall health of the plant. Cut back to old wood if you wish to reduce the size of the hedge and encourage healthy new growth.
Willow requires little maintenance in terms of pruning to shape as it develops a good framework naturally. If required, cut out any dead, diseased or damaged branches to retain the overall health of the plant. Cut back to old wood if you wish to reduce the size of the hedge and encourage healthy new growth.
Delivery & Returns
Everything you need to know about your delivery: Free delivery - this is available on most orders when you reach a minimum order value for your packaging type which is based on the size and quantity of plants that you order. Details are in the delivery information table below.
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values for FREE Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes (Bare roots and pots up to and inc 7.5L) | £7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £60) | Orders of £60 and over - FREE |
| Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc) | £60 delivery charge (orders up to £350) | Orders of £350 and over - FREE |
| Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | £450 delivery charge (orders up to £1500) | Orders of £1500 and over - FREE |
Nominated Day Delivery – Choose a day that suits you for your delivery. If nominated delivery is available on the products you’ve chosen, you’ll be able to select this option at checkout. Fees for this will depend on the product selected and your delivery address.
For full delivery information, including geographical exceptions, see our delivery page
Willow Hedge Salix alba
From £1.49
In Stock
The White Willow is native and deciduous. It begins its awakening from winter with beautiful soft fluffy catkins in March and April.
- Planting Conditions: Full sun is preferred, grows best in moist to wet soils, sheltered or exposed, inland or coastal
- Growth Rate: Average | 20-40cm
- Height: 1-4m
- 12 Month Guarantee On All Plants - Buy With Confidence
In stock
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SKU
SALX
Willow Hedge Plants Description
White Willow (Salix alba) is one of our UK native hedging species. Whereas Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) has narrow pointed leaves and Goat Willow (Salix caprea) rounded obvate leaves, White Willow has leaves midway between the two being long but oval shaped. They are distinctive in their colouring with a soft muted green colour on the upper with fine, silky, pale hairs to the undersides. The lovely silvery-white colour to the underside of its leaves is the reason it is so named.
Just prior to the appearance of the leaves in the spring, the White Willow develops catkins in abundance. The female catkins are silvery coloured, however the more noticeable male catkins are golden and extremely hairy but look attractive against the contrasting dark grey/brown bark. The male catkins are also full of nectar so good for early bees - and this species supports a total of 266 insect species and is particularly good for moths and caterpillars.
Willow along with Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is one of the few hedge species that tolerates and in fact grows most happily in moist or wet ground conditions. It is therefore ideal for waterlogged or poor draining gardens and it will even grow in poor soil conditions. It is worth noting however, that Willow's thirsty roots take up water from a large area, so it is best to avoid planting in close proximity to buildings. Willow also prefers sunny not shaded conditions in order to thrive and is salt tolerant so an ideal hedge species for coastal locations.
Salix alba has had many cultural and medicinal uses throughout its history. Its long, slender yet flexible branches were used in traditional basket weaving whilst its bark contains the phenolglycoside salicin, from which the everyday painkiller Aspirin is derived.
Choose Willow Hedge root types
What are root types?
Root types explained.
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Bare root
Field grown, bare roots are young plants that are only planted when they are dormant, from autumn to spring. We lift bare root plants and despatch them during the season but they can be pre-ordered in summer. As they are cheaper to grow, they are one of our most affordable hedge planting options.
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Pot grown
Pot grown plants can be planted year round and make a convenient option. They come in a wide range of sizes, from 10cm to 2.5m so they're suitable for the majority of planting requirements.
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Root ball
Also field grown, root ball plants are scooped out of the ground using machinery to keep their root system intact and wrapped in bio-degradable, hessian sacks. They are mature plants that provide dense coverage very early on, ideal for when you need a thick hedge quickly.
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Instant
Grown in troughs or bags that measure 50cm-1 metre in length and carefully clipped during the growing season. Our instant hedging troughs create a dramatic, instant hedge effect.
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