Salix x erythroflexuosa - Willow

Salix x erythroflexuosa is a hybrid willow with a branching habit that is both weeping and twisted, of beautiful elegance and rare originality. It develops long spiralled and twisted branches, initially upright and then trailing at the ends, covered with a light red-orange to caramel bark, with remarkable patterns which bear deciduous narrow leaves, also curled and twisted. Of modest stature, and decorative throughout the year, this unique little tree has a place even in a small garden, especially by the edge of a water feature where it will be sensational.

Salix x erythroflexuosa is a horticultural hybrid resulting from cross-breeding between Salix x sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma', which has given it its long trailing branches and graceful habit, and S. madsudana 'Tortuosa', responsible for its beautiful spiral branches. Its habit is naturally twisted, broadly spreading and weeping. At maturity, it will reach approximately 4m (13ft) in height by 2m (7ft) in width. With a rapid growth rate, this willow has a lifespan of around 50 years. Its branches are composed of flexible, spiralled branches, rolled up on themselves, covered by a coppery bark which becomes brown-yellow and fissured over time. The deciduous foliage is composed of lanceolate, slightly dentate, spiralled leaves, averaging 9cm (4in) in length. They are shiny green on the upper side, more glaucous to silvery on the underside, and turn yellow in autumn. This variety produces white-grey male catkins which are 3cm (1in) long in March before the appearance of leaves.

The Tortuous Weeping Willow likes deep, moist to wet soils, and very bright exposures which it will find near water points, or under humid climates. It makes an impression when planted in isolation, accompanied by Iris kaempferi, Carex or Euphorbia palustris, or surrounded by early-flowering bulbs (snowdrops, crocuses, fritillaries, hyacinths). Finally, consider placing it in such a way that it is visible from the house, to contemplate its unique silhouette from behind a window.