Photo of Salix elaeagnos foliage by Franz Xaver

Photo by Franz Xaver

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Salix elaeagnos

Also Known As

  • Salix eleagnos
  • Salix rosemarinifolia
  • Olive Leaf Rosemary Willow
  • Rosemary Willow

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 10'
  • W: 8'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Salix elaeagnos plant details

Salix elaeagnos is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with blue and green foliage. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional water. Does well in average and clay soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salix elaeagnos

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 8 FT wide, 10 FT tall
Uses: winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salix elaeagnos

USDA Zones: 5a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and clay

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

"One of the prettiest willows for waterside planting" (Hillier); hoary gray leaves which resemble elongated rosemary turn green above, white below and densely clothe the reddish stems of this large shrub. S/M-W
a.k.a. Salix rosemarinifolia. Olive Leaf Rosemary Willow is a great hardy shrub with year round interest. The narrow linear dark grey green leaves do resemble rosemary, adding a fine texture to the naturalistic landscape. Winter interest comes from the purplish tint the stems take on. Plants can get quite large (10' or more) unless coppiced or stooled regularly. Plants tolerate moist soil, which is good to know if you have a wet section of your garden that is especially wet in winter. shipping trade gallons.
Salix is a genus of garden gems that often goes overlooked because willow seems to be a dirty word. People too often think of weedy ditch plants or messy large trees. Olive-leaf willow is one of the nicest large shrubs for gardens. It's easy to grow and quickly becomes a large dense bush of long, narrow, silvery-green foliage. Formerly Salix rosmarinifolia or Rosemary Willow, which is far more descriptive as it looks like a giant rosemary more so than a giant olive. Very graceful. Like all willows it can be sheared hard to maintain a smaller size. If left to grow it can reach up to 20' tall and 10' wide.

Gardening facts about Salix elaeagnos plant

How to Grow Salix elaeagnos

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Salix for your garden

aka Salix alba 'Chermesina', Coral Bark Willow, Redstem Willow, White Willow

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 15'-20'

Width: 5'-15'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Salix alba 'Britzensis' by plant lust
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aka Salix alba 'Argentea', Salix var. alba 'Sericea', Siberian White, Silver Leaved Willow, Silver Willow, White Willow, WILLOW

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 15'-60'

Width: 15'-60'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • standing water - drought tolerant
Photo of Salix alba 'Sericea' form by Secret Garden Growers
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aka Salix boydii, Salix x boydii, Willow

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-15"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Salix 'Boydii' foliage by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

aka Chinese Willow

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 8'-10'

Width: 8'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Salix fargesii foliage by plant lust
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More Options

aka Swiss Willow

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Salix helvetica foliage by plant lust
View Plant
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