purple willow (stem cuttings)
Plant details:
Genus & species: Salix purpurea
Hardiness: Zone 3 to 7
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil type: Tolerant of most soils, not fond of highly acidic soils
Soil moisture: Moist, well-drained, tolerates intermittent flooding
Purple willow stem cuttings are sold in bundles of 3 and 12.
Unrooted stem cuttings of purple willow are composed of 1 year hardwood cuttings with a several leaf nodes present. The sloped cut will be the soil end, and the flat cut will be on the end where leaves will emerge. Cuttings will be at least 9 inches in length, usually more.
Purple willow stem cuttings are easy to root with no special care or rooting hormones. It can be as simple as sticking the cutting in fertile, loose soil that is weed-free while it is dormant. Depth is important to keep the cutting moist where roots form, so make sure to get your cutting at least 3 inches deep and mulch it well. The cuttings can be prepared for planting this way in their permanent location in the fall, winter, or early spring in NC. Colder climates should plant this way in late fall OR early spring. Expect an 80 percent success rate in most cases.
Purple willow is a willow species often used in willow basketry. It responds very well to coppicing/pollarding and is easy to propagate. Willow species in general are great candidates to assist in stream bank restoration.
