Salix petrophila

Also Known As

Salix arctica var. petraea
Alpine Willow

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

H: 6"-30"
W: 18"-48"

planting zones

1-9b

More Options

Salix petrophila plant details

Salix petrophila is a broadleaf deciduous groundcover shrub with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salix petrophila

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN - 48 IN - wide, 6 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: alpine, container plant, dwarf, miniature, rare, rock garden, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salix petrophila

USDA Zones: 1 - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Being that I'm a sucker for interesting willows and dwarf plants, I picked this up when I saw it on the list of one of our woody plant suppliers. Super hardy (one of the few plants hardy to zone 1!) and tiny, this willow is perfect for rock gardens, fairy gardens, and containers. New stems are yellowish and carry rounded, thick, glossy green leaves and 3/4" long catkins in the spring. Habit is creeping and stems will root at the nodes. Being an alpine plant, well drained soils with some moisture are best.