Salix babylonica Crispa - Weeping Willow

Salix babylonica Crispa, also known as Curly Willow or Corkscrew Willow, is a variety that is very unique: its foliage is composed of beautiful light green leaves spiralled in coils. It is a deciduous bush that is highly decorative and can thrive in full sun or partial shade, in any type of soil as long as it is moist.

Originally from China and belonging to the Salicaceae family, it is a tall deciduous bush with a slightly spreading upright habit. It grows quickly and can reach a height of 10 metres (33 feet) and a width of 8 metres when fully mature.

Much less known than its cousin, the Twisted Willow, it shares its twisted appearance and a very unique foliage. Its beautiful light green, narrow leaves with a silver underside, coil into spirals that curl upon themselves, as if they were rolled on curlers. The Curly Willow is a deciduous bush that awakens in spring with charming small greenish-yellow catkins.

Hardy, at least down to -15°C, the Curly Willow is undemanding in terms of soil quality as long as it remains moist and well-draining. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It does not require any special care and, like all willows, responds well to pruning, even severe pruning. We recommend mulching around its base to keep the soil moist throughout the year.

In the garden, you can plant it as a hedge or as a stand-alone specimen. It particularly enjoys being near water features, alongside perennial plants such as Astilbe or Marsh Iris. It can also be cultivated for floral arrangements, a few branches can create elegant compositions for the home.