Continental Purple Willow (Salix daphnoidesa)

The Continental Purple Willow (Salix daphnoides ‘Continental Purple’) is a fast-growing, ornamental deciduous tree known for its brilliant purple bark, which intensifies in color during winter, creating stunning seasonal interest. Native to Europe and Asia, this hardy willow is highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for wetlands, erosion control, windbreaks, and cut stems for floral arrangements and basketry.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Salix daphnoides ‘Continental Purple’
• Common Name: Continental Purple Willow
• Growing Zones: USDA Zone 5
• Mature Size: 30 to 60 feet in height, with a spread of 15 to 25 feet
• Leaf Characteristics: Narrow, green lance-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall
• Branch Color: Deep purple bark that becomes more vibrant in colder months
• Flowering Season: Early spring
• Flower Color: Cream
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growing Specifics

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in medium to wet soils, adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Water Requirements: Prefers moist conditions but can tolerate occasional drought once established. Best suited for wetlands, ponds, and riparian areas.
• Pruning and Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth, enhance stem color, and maintain shape. Regular cutting improves the vibrancy of the purple bark.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, reaching full height within a few years.
• Spacing: For hedgerows and windbreaks, plant 2-4 feet apart; for individual trees, 6-10 feet apart.

Landscape Uses

✅ Winter Interest: Stunning purple bark creates an eye-catching winter display
✅ Wildlife & Pollinator Support: Early cream-colored flowers provide an essential food source for bees
✅ Windbreaks & Erosion Control: Strong, flexible branches stabilize slopes, riverbanks, and wetland areas
✅ Basketry & Cut Stems: Highly valued for basket weaving, floral displays, and craft uses
✅ Privacy Screens & Hedgerows: Can be planted densely for fast-growing natural barriers

Special Notes

• Autumn Beauty: Leaves turn golden yellow in fall before dropping for winter.
• Wetland Restoration: Thrives in boggy areas, stream banks, and low-lying lands prone to moisture retention.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for birds and serves as a pollinator-friendly tree in early spring.

Shipping Details

📦 Available as dormant cuttings in bundles. Orders ship seasonally based on optimal planting times.
🚚 Shipping Restrictions: We cannot ship rooted plants to California due to compost restrictions.

🔥 Limited availability – order now to secure your cuttings for the season!

🌱 Non-GMO Commitment: All of our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and naturally propagated, promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.