Salix x rubra 'Eugenei'

(Purple Willow) This unusual willow is named after the Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III and has slender, upright branches which are festooned with dainty pink catkins in late winter. A vigorous, elegant and unusual willow similar to bamboo in habit with a narrow leaf, we find that it is most attractive when coppiced yearly.

The catkins occasionally appear in clusters of three on the stems of established plants, but this is quite variable and often they are arranged in opposite pairs. Makes a handsome small branching tree in time of can be coppiced yearly.

In our opinion this willow is best planted next to ponds or streams as this highlights the catkins particularly well!