Golden willow

With an amazing deep-yellow winter colour, the Golden Willow is guaranteed to brighten your garden on the darkest of Winter days. Perfect as a specimen plant too, Salix alba Vittelina is a popular cultivar of its parent Salix alba. Like most willows it grows in most situations, and it is a popular basketry willow for its long lasting colour. Also highly valued by all sorts of wildlife, it can grow in smaller gardens and be coppiced in March to provide consistent winter colour.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Any, not too dry
Position: Full sun, some shade
Notable uses: Living structures, erosion control, firewood, craft work
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: up to 20ft (6m) Spread: 15ft (4.5m)