Goat Willow Hedging | Salix caprea
Bring the wildlife flocking
Grown by Cameron
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Bare Root Plant (5-7 per metre)
60-90cm inc. roots on arrival
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Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
Goat Willow Hedging
Salix caprea
- This deciduous native hedge is hugely valuable to wildlife and has been naturalized in Britain since Roman times
- Fluffy silver catkins appear on the bare branches in early spring, followed by bright green oval shaped leaves
- A fully hardy, moderately growing plant which will reach a height of approx 8m but can easily be maintained at 1-4m
- Goat Willow will grow well in all soil types and sites, even exposed, windy areas and wet or chalk soil
- The catkins are highly attractive to bees and this hedge is also a favourite with many species of butterflies and moths
- The name Goat Willow probably comes from an illustration in Hieronymus Bock's Herbal, published in 1546. The picture shows a goat grazing on the tree which seems to have inspired its naming almost 200 years later - goats have no special preference for this tree and will pretty much eat anything!
What to expect
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
While the Goat Willow Hedging is primarily used for hedging, it can be kept in a large container (at least 50 litres) for its first few years.
How big does it get?
The Goat Willow Hedging typically reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 metres and a spread of 8 to 10 metres.
How much sunlight does this need?
The Goat Willow Hedging requires full sun to thrive and maintain its vigorous growth.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
The Goat Willow Hedging is highly adaptable and thrives in deep, moist soils, including heavy clay, though it will tolerate most soil types.
How much watering does this plant need?
The Goat Willow Hedging thrives in moist conditions and requires about 25 to 50 millimetres of water per week.
Will this plant need pruning?
Yes, the Goat Willow Hedging needs regular pruning to encourage healthy new growth and optimal flowering.
How hardy is this plant?
Salix caprea is extremely hardy with an RHS rating of H7, tolerating temperatures below -20°C and thriving even in the most exposed or northern UK locations.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Cameron
Putting shrubs in the starlight (and boy do they shine…)
Cameron is mad about plants, which is lucky, really, because he’s absolutely surrounded by them here at the nursery. Having studied at the Student Plant Unit at Pershore College, Cameron went on to compete at the Grand Finals for the 2022 Horticulturist of the Year Awards. With a team of dedicated growers on hand to help, Cameron utilises our industry-leading nursery (and the lovely, fertile conditions of the Cotswolds) to grow shrubs that aren’t just good-looking, they’re good-growing too.
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