Common NamePurple Osier. purpleosier willow
FamilySalicaceae
USDA hardiness4-8
Known Hazards Gastrointestinal bleeding & kidney damage possible. Avoid concurrent administration with other aspirin-like drugs. Avoid during pregnancy. Drug interactions associated with salicylates applicable.
HabitatsWet places in lowland areas, preferring neutral or alkaline soils.
RangeEurope, including Britain, from Belgium south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia to Japan.
Edibility Rating        (1 of 5)
Other Uses        (4 of 5)
Weed PotentialNo
Medicinal Rating        (3 of 5)
Care (info)Fully HardyWell drained soilMoist SoilWet SoilFull sun
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea
Purple Osier - Salix purpurea

How to Grow, Propagate, Varieties, and Harvest Purple Osier (Salix purpurea): The Complete Guide

Purple Osier (Salix purpurea) is one of the most beautiful and versatile willow species you can grow. Known for its elegant slender stems, bluish-purple bark, and fine-textured foliage, this willow is prized for basketry, habitat planting, erosion control, hedging, crafts, and ornamental landscaping. Fast-growing and resilient, Purple Osier thrives in diverse conditions and rewards growers with abundant usable stems year after year.

If you’re eager to cultivate this stunning willow, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need: how to grow it, the best propagation methods, key varieties, maintenance tips, and how to harvest stems for maximum quality.

What Is Purple Osier (Salix purpurea)?

Purple Osier is a small deciduous willow native to Europe and western Asia. It typically grows 8–12 feet tall and is known for:

  • Slender, flexible stems
  • Purplish to bluish bark especially in winter
  • Narrow, elegant leaves with gray undersides
  • Dense growth habit
  • Fast regrowth after coppicing

Its pliable stems make it a favorite for wickerwork, basketry, sculptural weaving, and garden structures.

How to Grow Purple Osier (Salix purpurea)

1. Choose the Right Location

Purple Osier is adaptable, but it thrives best when its notable preferences are met:

Ideal Site Conditions

  • Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
  • Moist to wet soils, including marginal areas
  • Neutral to slightly acidic pH
  • Tolerant of heavy clay, seasonal flooding, and poor fertility

Spacing

For basketry crops or coppice beds:

  • 1–2 feet apart in rows
    For ornamental shrubs:
  • 3–6 feet apart

2. Soil Preparation

Purple Osier isn’t picky, but improving the soil helps early growth.

Before Planting:

  • Remove weeds and grasses that compete for moisture.
  • Add compost for better water retention.
  • If soil is extremely sandy, incorporate organic matter.

Important Note

Avoid adding high-nitrogen fertilizers — willows grow vigorously on their own.

3. Planting Purple Osier

Planting Willow Cuttings (Most Common Method)

Cuttings root extremely easily. Use 8–12 inch hardwood cuttings, taken in late winter or early spring.

How to Plant

  1. Insert cuttings 6–8 inches deep, leaving two buds above soil.
  2. Plant vertically for straight stems (best for weaving).
  3. Water deeply after planting.
  4. Mulch thickly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Best Planting Seasons

  • Late winter to early spring
  • Fall (in mild climates)

4. Watering & Care

While Purple Osier tolerates drought once established, optimal stem quality requires consistent moisture.

Watering Guidelines

  • Keep soil evenly moist during the first year.
  • For crafts or basketry, provide regular irrigation to encourage long, straight stems.

Mulching

Apply 3–4 inches of organic mulch to:

  • Retain moisture
  • Settle soil around new cuttings
  • Reduce weed pressure

5. Pruning & Coppicing

Pruning is essential to maintain productive stems.

Annual Coppicing (Recommended for Basketry)

Cut the entire plant back to the base every winter.
Benefits:

  • Produces uniform, straight, flexible rods
  • Maintains manageable plant size
  • Encourages dense regrowth

Pollarding (Alternative Technique)

Cut stems back to a trunk or stool 3–5 feet high.
This creates:

  • Easier harvesting
  • Elevated stool away from rabbits
  • Decorative winter structure

Propagation Methods for Purple Osier

Purple Osier is one of the easiest plants to propagate. Nearly every stem will root if treated properly.

1. Hardwood Cuttings (Most Reliable)

  • Collect in late winter when dormant.
  • Use pencil-thick 8–12″ cuttings.
  • Plant directly into prepared soil.

Success rate is typically 90–100%.

2. Softwood Cuttings

Taken in late spring/early summer:

  • Use younger stems 6–8 inches long.
  • Strip lower leaves.
  • Root in moist sand or potting mix.

This method produces faster initial growth but slightly lower success than hardwood cuttings.

3. Live Stakes

Longer cuttings (2–4 feet), driven deep into moist ground:

  • Excellent for riverbank restoration
  • Creates instant erosion control
  • Establishes shrubs without pots or nursery work

Best Varieties of Purple Osier Willow

While Salix purpurea exists in many forms, a few stand out:

1. Salix purpurea ‘Nana’

  • Compact, shrub-like
  • Dense branching
  • Beautiful blue-green leaves
  • Great for hedges and borders

2. Salix purpurea ‘Streamco’

  • US-selected variety for streambank stabilization
  • Extremely vigorous
  • Strong root system

3. Salix purpurea ‘Gracilis’

  • Slim, elegant stems
  • Excellent for fine basketry
  • Very flexible rods

4. Salix purpurea ‘Helix’

  • Noted for long, straight rods
  • Great for weaving large structures

How to Harvest Purple Osier Willow

Best Time to Harvest

  • Late winter (after leaves fall)
  • Dormant season provides:
    • Smoothest bark
    • Longest, straightest rods
    • Best pliability when re-soaked

Harvesting Tips

  • Use clean, sharp pruners.
  • Cut rods at the base to stimulate future coppice.
  • Bundle rods by length immediately after cutting.

Sorting After Harvest

Sort by:

  • Length (2–10 feet)
  • Diameter (fine to thick)
  • Color (purple, blue-gray, or greenish stems)

This improves ease of use in crafts or commercial bundles.

Drying, Storing & Using Your Willow Rods

Drying

Allow rods to dry fully in a cool, ventilated area:

  • Lean bundles upright
  • Keep off the ground
  • Avoid strong sun (prevents warping)

Storing

Store dried willow indoors:

  • Upright or lying flat
  • Away from moisture and pests

Rehydrating for Use

Before weaving:

  • Soak dried rods for 2–12 hours depending on thickness.
  • Wrap in damp cloth for an additional few hours to soften evenly.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

Often due to:

  • Overwatering
  • Compacted soil
  • Nutrient deficiency

Aphids

  • Spray with strong water blast
  • Encourage ladybugs and lacewings

Rod distortion or uneven growth

Usually from:

  • Uneven light exposure
  • Drought stress
  • Skipping annual coppicing

Conclusion: Why Grow Purple Osier?

Purple Osier (Salix purpurea) is an exceptional plant for both beginners and experienced growers. It offers:

  • Rapid growth
  • Stunning ornamental value
  • High-quality rods for crafts
  • Simple propagation
  • Incredible adaptability
  • Yearly renewable harvests

Whether you’re planting a coppice for willow weaving, creating a wildlife-friendly hedge, or adding ornamental texture to your landscape, Purple Osier is a rewarding and sustainable choice.

More info: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+purpurea