Salix repens aka Creeping Willow

Taxonomy

Genus Salix Family Salicaceae Order Malpighiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Salix repens, commonly known as the creeping willow, is a small, shrubby species of willow that can reach up to 1.5 metres in height. It is native to China and is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, often found growing amongst sand dunes and heathlands. This polymorphic species has a wide range of variants in the UK, ranging from small, prostrate, hairless plants to taller, erect or ascending silky-leaved shrubs. The variation in form has resulted in numerous synonyms. The branches of Salix repens droop and have long yellowish twigs that hang down almost to the ground. The real weeping willow is Salix babylonica, but other species like Salix alba 'Tristis' and Salix x sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma' have similar characteristics. Weeping willows can grow up to 20 metres tall and live up to 200 years old under favourable circumstances. They prefer moist soil and are often found near ponds, lakes and rivers. In spring, the silvery or yellow catkins give the weeping willow an attractive appearance, and in autumn, the leaves turn golden yellow before falling off. Despite their beauty, weeping willows can be challenging to care for as bonsai. They require a lot of water and their strong growth must be controlled. It is best to make larger willow bonsai to accommodate their hanging branches and leaves. The shoots need to be wired downwards all the time because they tend to grow upwards to reach the willow's genetically predetermined height. Willows sometimes lose branches which die for no apparent cause. On the other hand, the creeping willow is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Creeping Willow, Creeping Sand Willow

How to care for Creeping Willow

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Creeping Willow is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Creeping Willow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Creeping Willow, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Creeping Willow is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Creeping Willow will thrive!

Lighting

Creeping Willow requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Creeping Sand Willow will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Creeping Willow’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Siberia, W. and C. Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Salix Genus

Salix sericea Silky Willow

Salix caprea Pussy Willow

Salix humboldtiana Humboldt's Willow

Salix eriocephala Heart Leaf Willow

Salix gilgiana Willow

Salix gooddingii Goodding's Willow

Salix phylicifolia Tea Leaf Willow

Salix daphnoides Violet Willow

Salix mesnyi Salix Mesnyi

Salix taxifolia Yew Leaf Willow