Salix alba ‘Chermesina’ – Striking Golden Weeping Willow

Salix alba ‘Chermesina’, a cultivar of the white willow, is celebrated for its dramatic weeping habit and vibrant golden-yellow shoots that create an instantly eye-catching feature in any landscape. Its long, pendulous branches provide elegance, movement, and architectural interest year-round.

Ideal as a specimen tree, water-side planting, or ornamental feature, ‘Chermesina’ combines rapid growth, resilience, and seasonal colour for maximum impact in gardens, parks, and lakeside settings.

Why Grow Salix alba ‘Chermesina’?

1. Spectacular Weeping Form
Graceful, pendulous branches cascade beautifully, forming a dramatic, sculptural silhouette perfect for focal points or water-edge planting.

2. Golden Seasonal Colour
Young shoots emerge bright yellow in spring, maturing to green in summer, creating year-round visual contrast and seasonal interest.

3. Fast Growth & Impact
Rapidly develops a tall, broad canopy, delivering immediate presence and shade in large gardens or landscape projects.

4. Hardy & Adaptable
Thrives in moist soils and tolerates wet or damp conditions, making it ideal for ponds, streams, and riverside locations.

5. Multi-Season Appeal
Even after leaf fall, the weeping form provides winter structure and a sculptural architectural element in the garden.

How to Grow Salix alba ‘Chermesina’

Position:
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Performs best in moist soil and near water, though adaptable to garden soil with adequate moisture.

Soil:
Thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils, tolerating clay or waterlogged conditions. Avoid prolonged drought.

Watering:
Water regularly during establishment. Mature trees benefit from consistent moisture, especially in dry conditions.

Pruning:
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid hard pruning to retain weeping habit.

Growth Habit:
Deciduous, fast-growing weeping tree. Reaches 10–15 m tall with a broad, cascading canopy of 8–12 m spread.

Hardiness:
Fully hardy across the UK (H6). Tolerant of wind, frost, and damp soils.

Design Ideas

• Plant as a focal specimen in large gardens or by ponds and lakes.

• Use along water features to frame views and reflect seasonal colour.

• Combine with ornamental grasses, perennials, or spring bulbs for layered interest.

• Ideal for parks, estates, or spacious urban gardens, where the pendulous form can be appreciated.

Final Thought

With its cascading golden branches, rapid growth, and sculptural silhouette, Salix alba ‘Chermesina’ is a show-stopping ornamental willow. Perfect for water-side planting or as a dramatic garden feature, it offers year-round impact and architectural elegance.

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

• Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
• Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

Salix alba Chermesina Root ball 8/10cm Girth Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Deciduous

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.