Advertisement

Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
East facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Boggy / Clay / Heavy / Moist

Salix babylonica (weeping willow or Babylon willow) is a large tree with a graceful, arching habit. As it ages, its branches 'weep', eventually reaching the ground. The delicate, narrow, light green leaves turn a beautiful shade of yellow in autumn. In spring, catkins appear on the bare branches.

Salix babylonica does best in moist soil so is perfect for growing near a large pond or stream, or in a damp part of the garden. It can also be grown as a focal point in a lawn, where it will provide welcome shade under its canopy on a sunny day. It's fast growing and can reach a height and spread of 15m, so is suitable for large gardens only. Ensure your soil is moist enough to provide the optimum conditions – it will lack vigour in dry soils. Weeping willows can be short-lived trees, living for between 40 and 70 years.

Where to buy Salix babylonica online

This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.
Advertisement

Salix ‘babylonica’ and wildlife

Salix ‘babylonica’ is known for attracting bees, birds and butterflies/moths. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers and provides shelter and habitat.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Salix ‘babylonica’ poisonous?

Salix ‘babylonica’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement