Osier willow (Salix viminalis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Osier willow on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Salicaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Osier willow
Salix viminalis, commonly known as common osier or basket willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree, prized for its long, flexible, slender, yellowish-green branches, ideal for basketry. Its elegant habit and fast growth make it perfect for live fences, visual screens, or as an ornamental plant in moist gardens. It is often used in riparian restoration and erosion control projects due to its robust root system.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
Salix viminalis thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. It needs abundant and consistent watering, especially in its early years, as it prefers moist and even slightly waterlogged soils; never let the substrate dry out completely. It adapts to a wide range of substrates, provided they retain moisture well, with clay or loamy soils being preferable. A common mistake is planting it in dry, well-drained soils, which will severely limit its development and vigor.
How to save a dying Osier willow
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown, wilted leaves, brittle stems. Lack of new shoots.
- First aid
- Deep watering if soil is dry. Prune dry branches. Repot if soil is unsuitable.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought, especially for young plants. Compact or saline soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if acted upon quickly. Check watering and soil conditions.