Basket Willow Cuttings - Purple

Common name Purple Basket Willow

Botanical name Salix purpurea

Details Deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, growing 1–3 metres tall with slender, flexible, purple or reddish stems. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for wet areas. Its vibrant, pliable shoots are widely used for basketry, weaving, and crafts. Additionally, it serves as an ornamental plant, supports erosion control along waterways, and provides habitat for wildlife.

Perennial

Tags cutting willow

Available May June July August

Price $2.90

Price for 2 or more $2.50 if you buy 2 or more

Price for 4 or more $1.90 if you buy 4 or more

Watch Add to Order

2 Pictures
Details

Growing Basket Willow (Salix purpurea) from Cuttings

1. Select and Prepare Cuttings

Timing: Take cuttings in late winter to early spring (August to September) when the willow is dormant but just before new growth starts. Alternatively, take cuttings in late autumn (May to June).
Type of Cuttings: Choose healthy, straight stems from the previous season’s growth (1-year-old wood). These should be about as thick as a pencil, 20–30 cm long, with several nodes.
Preparation: Cut just below a node at the bottom and just above a node at the top. Remove any leaves or side shoots if present.

2. Prepare the Planting Medium

Soil: Basket willows prefer moist, well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, or compost. They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Optional Rooting Hormone: While Salix purpurea roots easily, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can encourage faster rooting, especially for less vigorous cuttings.

3. Plant the Cuttings

Direct Planting: Push the cuttings into the soil, ensuring two-thirds of the cutting (about 15–20 cm) is buried, with at least 2–3 nodes below the soil surface. Plant them upright, with the top (distal) end facing up.
Spacing: Space cuttings 30–45 cm apart if growing for a hedge or basket material, or closer (15–20 cm) for a dense planting.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the cuttings. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

4. Care and Maintenance

Watering: Maintain moist soil, especially during the first growing season. Willows love water, so they can tolerate wet conditions, but avoid standing water.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (e.g., bark or straw) around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Light: Ensure the cuttings receive full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Fertilising: Willows generally don’t need much fertiliser, but a balanced fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) can be applied sparingly in spring to boost growth.

5. Rooting and Growth

Rooting Time: Cuttings typically root within 2–4 weeks under proper conditions. New leaf growth indicates successful rooting.
First Year: Allow the cuttings to establish in their first year. They may grow 1–2 metres tall, depending on conditions.
Pruning: For basket willow, prune back to 15–30 cm above ground in late winter (August) each year to encourage long, flexible shoots ideal for weaving.

6. Tips for Success

Site Selection: Salix purpurea prefers moist areas and can tolerate poor soils, making it suitable for wet or marginal land.
Pest/Disease Control: Watch for aphids, willow beetles, or fungal diseases like rust. Remove affected parts and ensure good air circulation.
Harvesting for Baskets: Cut stems in late autumn or winter (May to August) when they are flexible and about 1–2 metres long for basket weaving.
Dry Climates: If you’re in a dry region, soak cuttings in water for 24–48 hours before planting to improve rooting success.
Large-Scale Propagation: Plant cuttings in a nursery bed and transplant after 1–2 years for larger projects.

Notes

Salix purpurea is valued for basketry due to its slender, flexible, and colourful stems (often purple or reddish). For specific advice based on your region or soil conditions in New Zealand, consult local gardening resources or experts.