Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock' (Willow)

Common name: Kilmarnock Willow

Description: This distinctive weeping willow cultivar offers unique ornamental appeal with its compact size and dramatic cascading habit, making it ideal for gardens where traditional weeping willows would be far too large. The tree is grafted onto a straight stem, creating a small "umbrella" of weeping branches that cascade elegantly to the ground, forming a dense curtain of foliage. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the entire tree becomes covered in silvery-grey male catkins that are amongst the first flowers to appear, providing invaluable early nectar for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter. The catkins are soft and fluffy, creating an attractive display, and eventually release golden pollen. The narrow leaves emerge bright green and create a fresh, fountain-like effect through summer. The compact size makes this perfect for small gardens, containers, or creating focal points, and the tree requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional shaping. This is an excellent choice for adding structure, early spring interest, and supporting early pollinators in gardens of all sizes.

Other benefits: compact weeping habit, early spring catkins, excellent for small gardens, invaluable for early pollinators, ideal for containers, low maintenance, unique structure

Wildlife attraction: bees, early pollinators, catkins provide early nectar

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2m x 2m

Position: full sun to partial shade; adaptable

Soil pH: adaptable to all soil types; very tolerant

Moisture: moderate to high watering required; prefers moist soil but adaptable; tolerates wetter conditions than most trees

Winter hardiness: very cold hardy to -30°C