White willow (Salix rubens)
Care, watering, light and tips for White willow on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Salicaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About White willow
The 'Salix rubens', also known as Hybrid White Willow, is a fast-growing tree valued for its elegant silvery-green foliage and graceful habit. Its flexible, often weeping branches make it ideal for planting by ponds, rivers, or in large gardens where a focal point with movement and texture is desired. It's an excellent choice for creating visual screens or providing shade in expansive areas.
Care tips
This willow thrives in full sun and requires abundant water, especially during dry periods, so consistent irrigation is crucial to keep the soil moist. It prefers moist, well-drained, even heavy soils, and is not very particular about pH. A common mistake is planting it in confined spaces, as its extensive root system can damage infrastructure.
How to save a dying White willow
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown leaves falling, dry and brittle branches, lack of new shoots.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not waterlogged soil), ensure enough sun, and prune dead branches.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought (especially in early years), constant waterlogging, or excessive shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Willows are resilient but need care in critical stages.