Braided willow
Salix (likely S. alba, a coloured-stem form; tbc)
A braided willow with golden-yellow and orange stems, woven together into a little trunk. Planted in the border bed in spring 2026; lifted in October 2026 after a dry spell browned its leaves. Still green under the bark, so it is recovering in a pot kept properly wet.
- Common name
- Braided willow
- Section
- Trees & shrubs
- Spot
- Patio (recovering in a pot)
- Soil
- Original rootball, packed round with part-used compost and vermiculite
- Options
Potential
An ornamental focal point in the border, with the braided stems providing interest beyond the leafy season. The woven form is its main feature.
- From
- Grown on from online plugs, or bought from a local independent garden centre, spring 2026
- Age
- About 2 years
- Next repot
- Review in spring, once it shows signs of life
- Edible
- ❌ Not for eating.
- Hardy
- ✅ Fully
- Garden-centre price
- about £15
Care & updates
- Next root check
- Apr 2027
- What to expect
- A deciduous woody willow: leaves fall in autumn and new shoots appear in spring. The braided stems remain through winter. Flowers Jun–Aug.
- Feeding
- Every 28 days, Apr–Aug, with Balanced liquid feed, half strength
- Observation
Leaves brown and crisp after another dry spell; the young stems are still coloured. To be lifted and potted to try to save it. Narrow, finely toothed leaves and orange-red young stems suggest a coloured-stem white willow.
- Lifted and potted
Lifted from the border bed and potted. Scratch test: still green under the bark. Pot and top tidied, dead wood pruned, and the pot stood in a tray of water while the weather stays warm.
Potted and standing in water
Root records (1)
View larger, with detailsAlive; small rootballLifted from the border bed after a dry spell. Fine roots around the base of the braid, with fresh white root tips showing.
🎮
Grandmother Willow is the wisest willow on the Mega Drive.
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