Goat Willow bears unique, round leaves, and distinct, silver, fluffy catkins in January. Though commonly found in wet woodlands, it easily be grown into a lovely hedge, too!
About Goat Willow Hedging
With the opportunity to provide year-round interest, Goat Willow has quite a small, shrub-like nature, boasting uniquely round, broad-like leaves, and pointed, but bent, tips. The silky, thick hairs on the foliage undersides provide a distinct level of character, too.
You will often notice different coloured catkins on Goat Willow- the female catkins are green, whereas male catkins tend to be a grey, silvery colour (which turn yellow as they ripen).
Goat Willow has quite a widespread habit and can reach up to 10m high.
Key Features
The best soil type for Goat Willow is either clay, loam, or sand based, and should be very moist but well-draining. Ensure it's in a full sun position, too.
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Growth rate: Average (20-40cm per year)
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Ideal height: 1-4m for hedging
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Soil type: Normal-dry, clay, loam, sand
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Exposure: Sheltered, exposed, inland, coastal
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Aspect: Full sun
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Evergreen foliage? No
Pruning & Care
Prune your Goat Willow hedging near the end of Winter or beginning of Spring. All you will need to do is remove any diseased, dead, crossing, damaged, or congested shoots- those that are growing out of the desired shape can also be pruned out. You will not need to carry out a pruning routine.
We do recommend adding some mulch and feed, however, after pruning. This will maintain overall health.
How To Plant Goat Willow
- Prepare the ground by digging the hole/trench twice as wide as the diameter of the plant's root system, but about the same depth. Ensure all weeds have been removed.
- Spread out the roots, ensuring planting depth is correct. The part where the roots flare out should be level with the surface of the soil (you may need to remove any excess soil on top of pot grown plants to reveal this point).
- Mix in some organic matter/compost to the excess soil that will be used to backfill the hole. If you are using RootGrow, do so by sprinkling a thin layer on the bottom of the planting hole.
- Water the hole well, and place the plant in. Backfill with soil, ensuring it is worked in to the plant's roots. Gently pat down to secure the plant, and water again if it seems dry (this is especially important if planting during hot/dry weather).
- Finish off by mulching to a depth of 7.5cm after planting. This will suppress weeds and help the soil to retain warmth and moisture.
- Regularly water for the first year or so after being planted. This is vital for the plant's survival.