For taller options and non-tree planting schemes Contact us stating species, height/girth and delivery postcode.
Scarlet Willow Tree Salix alba Vitellina Britzensis or Chermesina Options Explained
125-150cm: 7-9L pot 2-3 years old
150-180cm: 9-12L pot 2-4 year old
180-240cm: 12-15L pot, 2-4 years old.
Mature Scarlet Willow Tree Salix alba Vitellina Britzensis or Chermesina
This Scarlet Willow (Salix alba 'Britzensis') aka Salix Alba Chermesina, is renowned for its young shoots which are an attractive brilliant orange-scarlet colour, which are especially attractive in winter if given a good pruning every alternate year. Its leaves are a classic willow shape and a grey-green colour. Catkins appear during May. If left to grow, this tree can reach a height of 20m ( 66ft 8in).
As you can see from the product title, about the only thing the Scarlet Willow is not suitable for is being chairman of the UN although it could be argued that willow trees move faster than they do.
The Scarlet Willow aka Chermesina or Britzensis has the Award Of Garden Merit as issued by the Royal Horticultural Society. No news stories of corruption or bribery have been in the news about this, so we are fairly confident that this particular Willow tree has won that award fairly. We don't know if there was a red carpet ceremony or acceptance speech given by the Chief Scarlet Willow tree or its representative so we have no idea how they feel about it but we can be reasonably sure its performance was a little wooden, instructions were barked out, they wanted to branch out into other things and eager to find their roots.
Scarlet Willow is listed as being able to tolerate hard pruning without causing any damage to the tree. This usually has the effect of promoting new growth so this would be a great Willow tree to buy someone who has more genocidal than green fingers.
Our Scarlet Willow trees are also suitable for coastal positions and by that we do not mean Chairman of the RNLI or Lighthouse keepers. It means you can plant it CLOSE to the coast without severe problems. This does not mean in a rock pool, sand dune or submarine window box.
As Scarlet Willows are coast tolerant, this also means they will tolerate open and exposed positions elsewhere in the UK. Not open and exposed as in rear closing hospital gowns but those locations where there is wind, driving rain etc. Places where wind literally rips trees from the ground and deposits them in places where they speak a different language are known as deadly, not exposed. We offer no guarantee for those places.
Should you have a damp site e.g. river bank, occasionally flooded site then the Scarlet Willow will be a good choice. Using a Scarlet Willow as a bathing or showering companion is considered more than a damp site so will not do very well under these conditions.
Considered to be chalk and clay tolerant so day trips to pottery class and exposure to heartburn relief tablets are no problem.
The catalogue lists Scarlet Willow as having interesting bark but this may take a few years to show. They are a bit like your grandparents in that they started off smooth and shiny but then turned into a different colour and no amount of ironing would make them smooth again. Interest is a subjective quality so no refunds are given because you became bored looking at your Scarlet Willow tree.
Scarlet Willow are a fast growing tree as most willows are. Growth rates are in the 30-100cm a year range which is dependant on location and conditions.
Message card included at no additional cost if required. Just add the information required on the card at checkout.
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by ​​​​​​​contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
Mature Tree Warranty
Once a tree is over 3 years old, the failure rate is considerably less and our Tree Warranty does not cover it at 100%. Please check details.
Water Logged Conditions
So long as you do not have permanent standing water e.g. your local diving and sailing club meets on your lawn then Willow, Alder, Birch and Poplar will be ok to plant and maybe even help lower the level.
