The term “weeping willow purple” often appears in searches, suggesting interest in a plant combining the graceful, cascading form of a weeping willow with striking purple coloration. While the classic weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is known for its green foliage and dramatic pendulous branches, it does not exhibit purple hues. This search term likely refers to other willow species or cultivars that display purple stems, catkins, or new growth, often coupled with an arching or weeping habit. These distinct varieties offer unique ornamental appeal.
Clarifying “Weeping Willow Purple”
The common name “weeping willow purple” is not botanically accurate for the traditional Salix babylonica, which has green leaves and yellow-green stems. The plant many envision is likely a cultivar of Salix purpurea, commonly known as Purple Osier Willow. A prominent example is Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’, also called Weeping Purple Willow.
Unlike the true weeping willow, Salix purpurea varieties are shrubs or small trees, and their “purple” attribute primarily refers to the color of their young stems, not their leaves. These plants offer a similar graceful, arching, or weeping growth habit, making them a suitable alternative for those seeking a pendulous form with added color. This distinction is important for understanding the plant’s true characteristics and ensuring proper identification.
Characteristics of Purple-Toned Willows
Purple-toned willows, such as Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’, are admired for their visual attributes. Their young stems are a deep reddish-purple, providing a striking display, particularly in winter when leaves have fallen. These slender, flexible stems contribute to the plant’s weeping or arching form, creating a graceful, cascading silhouette. As stems mature, their vibrant purple coloration may fade, turning to a pale gray.
The foliage consists of narrow, fine-textured leaves that are blue-green on top and often silvery or glaucous underneath. While predominantly green or blue-green, some leaves might exhibit subtle purple tinges, especially when new. In early to mid-spring, before leaves fully emerge, slender catkins appear, which can also have a purplish or reddish cast, adding to the plant’s seasonal interest. These willows grow to an average height of 10 to 15 feet and can spread 8 to 12 feet wide, forming a rounded, dense shrub or small tree.
Care and Cultivation for Purple Willows
Cultivating purple-toned willows like Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’ involves considerations to ensure their health and vibrant stem color. These plants thrive in full sun, which intensifies the purple coloration of their stems. While adaptable to various soil types, they prefer deep, moist, and well-drained conditions. Consistent moisture is important, especially for young plants, though established purple willows can tolerate some drought.
Pruning is important to enhance stem color. Gardeners prune stems back in late winter to early spring, as this encourages vigorous new growth, which displays the most intense purple hues. This practice, sometimes called coppicing, can involve cutting stems down to within a few inches of the ground to promote a continuous supply of colorful new shoots. Purple-toned willows are cold-hardy, performing well in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.
Common Questions and Color Considerations
The “purple” aspect of these willows often leads to questions about their coloration. The intensity of the stem color can vary, appearing most vibrant on new growth and during the winter months after leaf drop.
While the stems of these willows are distinctly purple, the leaves themselves are typically blue-green or dark green, sometimes with a silvery underside. True, deep purple foliage is not a common characteristic of these weeping willows or their purple-stemmed relatives.