Salix repens 'Arenaria'
(aka S. r. 'Argentea', S. r. 'Nitida' or S. r. 'Bridal Rice')
repens - creeping arenaria = growing in sandy places
Creeping Silver Willow
This modest willow is the smallest variety we offer at this time. It grows to 2–3ft and spreads at least twice as far, but can be kept smaller with annual pruning after flowering. This male form has sparkling bright yellow catkins that cover the twigs. Later the tiny silver leaves complete a very attractive offering. I use it in a mixed border with other woody plants, perennials, bulbs and annuals and it looks perfectly at home there. There is a cultivar in the trade called 'Bridal Rice' that is identical to this selection; obviously someone gave it a more "commercial" name! Hardy to USDA Zone 3.
USES: Can be grown as described above; in a large rock garden or scree; in a large, low container, that will check it’s root growth, therefore its top growth. It grows naturally in sand dunes along the North European coast.
The Creeping Silver Willow has lovely silver leaves a color that goes with any other in the garden. here seen with Joe-pye Weed, Miscanthus, Platycodon, hosta, peony and Amsonia.
In the very back is our willow arch/tunnel (see S. daphnoides 'Ovaro Udine)
This enchanting little silver-leafed willow is a treat in a mixed border, container or rock garden.
Below are male catkins on our selection of the Creeping Silver Willow.
They always flowers prodigiously!
An internet photo from Russia of The Silver Creeping Willow at its absolute best!
I have to say, I have never seen this plant in this kind of condition, much as I'd love to!
A Dutch Internet photo showing the Silver Creeping Willow in it's native habitat.
Does the sand tell you anything about how to grow this? Mine's in clay/loam however!
A stock block in the nursery. I planted 'Arenaria' next to what was labelled 'Bridal Rice' from the Chicago Botanical Garden. They were identical, someone wanted a sexier name!
at left a sprig of this enchanting species. at right: a lovely plant in the Reykjavic BG in 2017 with Sedum lydium.
I wonder why 'Arennaria' is so much bluer in Europe? Is it the light or higher temperatures in the USA?
WillowWorld
of Michael Dodge