Photo of Salix alba 'Sericea' form by Secret Garden Growers

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Salix alba 'Sericea'

Also Known As

  • Salix alba 'Argentea'
  • Salix var. alba 'Sericea'
  • Siberian White
  • Silver Leaved Willow
  • Silver Willow
  • White Willow
  • WILLOW

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 15'-60'
  • W: 15'-60'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Salix alba 'Sericea' plant details

Salix alba 'Sericea' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with blue foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and standing water - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salix alba 'Sericea'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 15 FT - 60 FT - wide, 15 FT - 60 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salix alba 'Sericea'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: standing water - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

"One of the most intensely silver-leaved willows" (Newsholme), this 20-40' round-headed tree has long silky hairs on both sides of its 3-4" leaves and catkins which remain on the tree for much of the summer. S/M-W
Beautiful, sparkling silver foliage shimmers in the softest breeze! Fast growing willow, size will depend on site (ours in a dryish sandy loam is only 15' after many years…but in a heavy wet soil the size could be 60'). Full sun, any soil (even glue like clay!), tolerates some dry conditions but revels in moist to wet areas…pond side? Willows do a good job of sucking up water from areas that flood. Deciduous tree with pendulous, low branches.
This little hosta has the same thick substance as the parent plant (Blue Mouse Ears) but lacks the glaucous coating keeping the leaves green. Pale purple flowers open in dense clusters in July on foot high scapes.
This Salix has a rounded crown on a small tree. Leaves are strongly silver and offer a striking contrast against deep green or darker foliage in the nearby landscape. Likely will grow to 20' with a 15' crown. A nice smaller willow for those of us that don't have the space for it's big brothers.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

This willow is an excellent alternative to Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'. We haven't seen a good specimen of the weeping pear. The pear has thorns, smelly flowers and an ugly form. The semi weeping willow has glorious gray leaves up to 6" long and 1/2" wide. We use it as a cut back plant to give real silver accent.

Gardening facts about Salix alba 'Sericea' plant

How to Grow Salix alba 'Sericea'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - drought tolerant
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
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