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White Willow Hedge (Salix alba)

White Willow (Salix alba) is a native, deciduous species that can be grown as an informal hedge, offering natural screening and seasonal interest in gardens and larger outdoor spaces. Known for its graceful growth and slender, lance-shaped leaves, this willow is particularly well suited to sites with moist soil.

Medium Growth Rate
Yellow Flowers
Deciduous
Berries
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Planting Conditions: Full sun is preferred. Grows best in moist to wet soils and tolerates sheltered or exposed locations, both inland and coastal.
Growth Rate: Average of 20-40cm per year.
Height: 1-4m, depending on growing conditions and maintenance.
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Willow Hedge Plants Description

Willow hedge plants are valued for their adaptability, attractive foliage and suitability for natural garden boundaries. Salix alba, commonly known as White Willow, is a distinctive choice for gardeners seeking a native willow with graceful growth and seasonal appeal.

A White Willow hedge can provide screening, structure and wildlife value when planted in a suitable location. Its preference for moist soil makes it particularly useful for gardens with consistently damp ground, where other hedging plants may struggle to thrive.

Benefits:

Native and Wildlife-Friendly: White Willow is a native UK species that can support local wildlife. Its spring catkins provide an early nectar source for pollinators, while its foliage offers shelter for insects and other garden visitors.

Suitable for Moist Soil: Salix alba thrives in moist to wet ground, making it a useful option for gardens with damp soil or areas that retain moisture.

Natural Screening: When planted at suitable intervals and maintained regularly, White Willow can form a leafy boundary that adds privacy and definition to larger gardens.

Seasonal Interest: Soft catkins appear in March and April, followed by fresh foliage that brings greenery and movement to the garden through the growing season.

Adaptable Growing Conditions: White Willow can grow in sheltered or exposed positions and is suitable for a range of inland and coastal locations, provided its soil and space requirements are met.

Pruning Advice

White Willow hedge plants benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and manage vigorous growth. The ideal pruning approach depends on whether you want a natural, informal boundary or a more controlled hedge.

For routine maintenance, prune in late winter while the plant is dormant, removing dead, damaged or overcrowded branches.

Light trimming can help maintain the desired outline, while more substantial pruning may be needed if the hedge becomes overgrown.

Avoid allowing White Willow to outgrow its allocated space, particularly in smaller gardens. Always use clean, sharp tools and check for active bird nests before trimming during the nesting season.

With appropriate pruning and suitable growing conditions, Salix alba can become an attractive, functional addition to a natural garden boundary.

Further Information

When planting a White Willow hedge, spacing will influence how quickly the plants establish a continuous boundary. The ideal distance depends on the size and type of plants purchased, the planting layout and how dense you want the hedge to become.

Bare Root Plants: Planting 3 plants per metre is generally sufficient, while 5 plants per metre can create a fuller hedge. For a denser boundary, 7 plants per metre in a double staggered row may be suitable.

Cell-Grown Plants: Around 4 plants per metre in a single row is a useful starting point. For a denser screen, consider 6 plants per metre in a staggered row.

Smaller plants may require closer spacing to achieve a continuous hedge more quickly. Before planting, prepare the ground by removing weeds and competing vegetation, and water thoroughly after planting.

White Willow can grow into a substantial tree, so consider its mature size and proximity to buildings, drains, paths and other structures when choosing a planting location.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is White Willow suitable for growing as a hedge?

Yes, White Willow (Salix alba) can be grown as an informal hedge in gardens with sufficient space. It is particularly suited to larger boundaries and moist planting sites, where its growth can be managed through regular pruning.

2. How quickly does a White Willow hedge grow?

White Willow has an average growth rate of around 20–40cm per year under the stated growing conditions. Actual growth will vary depending on soil moisture, sunlight, plant establishment and maintenance.

3. Can White Willow grow in waterlogged soil?

White Willow prefers moist to wet soil and can be suitable for damp areas. However, conditions vary, and prolonged waterlogging may affect establishment depending on the site and root conditions. Ensure the planting location is appropriate for the plants supplied.

4. When is the best time to plant White Willow hedge plants?

Bare root White Willow is generally best planted during the dormant season, typically from autumn to early spring, when the ground is workable and not frozen. Container-grown or cell-grown plants offer more flexibility, but should be watered well during establishment.

5. How many White Willow plants do I need per metre?

The number depends on the plant type and how dense you want the hedge to become. As a general guide, 3–5 bare root plants per metre can be suitable for a single row, while 7 plants per metre in a double staggered row can create a denser boundary. For cell-grown plants, 4 per metre in a single row or 6 per metre in a staggered row are common spacing options.

Delivery & Returns

Enjoy convenient delivery of yourWhite Willow (Salix alba), with free delivery available within 50 miles of our nursery. Deliveries beyond this area may also be available, depending on your location and order.

If you're unsure whether your property falls within our delivery area, please contact us before placing your order. Every plant is carefully prepared for delivery to help ensure it arrives in good condition.

For added peace of mind, your White Willow (Salix alba) is covered by our 12 Month Guarantee on All Plants.

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With over 30+ years in the horticultural industry, Bannister Hall is an award winning UK plants nursery. We are trusted growers and online retailers of everything plants including topiary, trees, hedges, and shrubs, supplying outdoor plants nationwide to homeowners, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, local authorities, the NHS, landscaping designers, gardeners, contractors, and property developers. From our three privately owned British plants nurseries we offer specialist nationwide delivery of high quality plants at unbeatable prices. Our nurseries can be visited by everyone and you can also shop here online choosing from over 40,000 plant species. We are fully DEFRA compliant and approved by the national 'Plant Healthy Scheme'. Buy Hedges, Trees, Plants & Shrubs Direct Online with Free Delivery and 12 months plants guarantee- Tel. 0330 236 7330.