Silver Creeping Willow ‘Nitida’

The Silver Creeping Willow ‘Nitida’ (Salix repens var. nitida) is a low-growing willow valued for its soft silvery-grey foliage and spreading habit. Its young shoots are slightly upright at first, then gradually arch and spread to form a dense, low mound.

In early spring, before or as the leaves emerge, it produces attractive silvery catkins, which later turn yellow. Like other willows, this early flowering period is useful to bees and other pollinating insects at a time when relatively few plants are in bloom.

Its small oval leaves are covered with fine hairs, giving them their characteristic silvery appearance. This bright foliage contrasts particularly well with darker green plants in mixed borders.

Compact and spreading, it generally reaches around 50 cm to 1 m in height and 1.5 to 2.5 m in spread. It is especially suitable for slopes, rock gardens, borders, banks and coastal gardens, where its low habit also makes it useful as ground cover.

‘Nitida’ performs best in full sun and prefers moist to fresh soil, although good drainage remains important. Very hardy and tolerant of wind, it is particularly well suited to exposed sites and coastal conditions.

Botanical name: Salix repens var. nitida
Flowering period: Spring
Flowers: Silvery catkins turning yellow
Pollinator value: Good early-season value
Position: Full sun
Soil: Moist to fresh, well drained
Foliage: Deciduous, silvery grey
Habit: Creeping, spreading, slightly trailing
Mature height: Approx. 0.5–1 m
Mature spread: Approx. 1.5–2.5 m
Hardiness: Excellent
USDA zone: Approx. 5–8
Uses: Ground cover, slope, rock garden, border, bank, coastal garden