Salix babylonica - Evergreen Trees Direct

Sold out

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow

Name: Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: SALBAB40cm/45L
Price: 250.00 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.6m – 2.1m Approx

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow

Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow) looks excellent when used as a striking feature tree in large open spaces such as parks, lake edges, and rural landscapes. Its graceful, pendulous branches form a broad, domed canopy that creates immediate visual impact and generous shade.

Thriving in moist soils and full sun, the Weeping Willow is ideal for planting near water bodies or in areas with good irrigation. Its fast growth rate ensures quick establishment and substantial coverage. For added landscape interest, underplant with moisture-loving perennials or grasses to complement its soft, flowing habit and enhance habitat value. Avoid planting near paved areas or buildings due to its invasive roots, but in spacious settings, it offers timeless beauty and functional shade.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 15m Approximately

Mature Width: 8 – 10 meters

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 2 meters per year (fast).

Frost Tolerance

Is Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow frost tolerant?

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Salix babylonica produces slender, yellow-green catkins in early spring before the foliage emerges. While not showy, these flowers are valuable for early pollinators and contribute to the tree’s graceful seasonal cycle, which is defined more by its cascading habit and fresh spring foliage than by its blooms.

Native Information

Is Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow an Australian Native? No

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow is Native to Native to northern China, where it grows along rivers and wetlands. Now cultivated worldwide as one of the most iconic weeping trees.

Wildlife Value

Its broad, cascading canopy provides excellent shelter for small birds, while its early-season catkins offer an important pollen source for bees and other beneficial insects when few other trees are flowering. The tree’s dense structure and moisture-seeking roots also help support a diverse range of fauna in riparian and garden environments.

Sunlight Information

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Salix babylonica performs best in moist loam or sandy loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will tolerate heavier clay soils provided there is reliable moisture, making it well suited to dam edges, creek banks and wet areas of the garden. Avoid excessively dry, shallow or compacted soils unless supplemental watering is available, as these conditions can limit growth. Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment, then maintain regular watering as the tree matures for optimal health and vigour.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Weeping Willow

Genus: Salix

Botanical Species: babylonica

Family: Salicaceae

Botanical Name: Salix babylonica

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Rural Property Planting
Avenue Planting

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Planting Tips: Ensuring a Strong Start

Site Selection: Choose a full sun location with ample space for its wide canopy and roots.

Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.

Planting: Position the tree so the top of the root ball is at ground level. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.

Mulching: Apply a 5–7cm mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering: Regular watering during establishment, then reduce watering once established.

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable

Feature Tree: 8 – 10 meters

Avenue Planting: 10 – 12 meters

Caring for Your Salix babylonica

Watering: Keep soil moist, especially in the first few years. Mature trees can tolerate some dryness.

Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage vigorous growth.

Pruning: Best pruned in late winter to remove deadwood and improve structure.

Pest & Disease Monitoring: Generally pest-free, but can occasionally attract aphids or caterpillars.

Well-draining Soil: Ideal for optimal growth; amend with organic material to enhance fertility and moisture retention.
Clay Soil: Despite its preference for moist conditions, ensuring good drainage in clay soils will prevent root rot and support healthier growth.
General Soil Adaptability: Adapts well to different soils, but performs best in soils that are kept consistently moist.

Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 2 meters per year (fast).

Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish properly. Once established, Weeping Willows develop moderate drought tolerance but perform best with consistent soil moisture, particularly in hot or exposed positions. They will survive dry spells but thrive when their moisture needs are met, maintaining dense foliage and strong seasonal growth.

Flowering Information

Does Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Catkin-like

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How fast does Salix babylonica grow?
It is known for its fast growth rate, often adding several meters in a single growing season.

Q: Can Salix babylonica be planted in smaller gardens?
Due to its size and root system, it is best suited for larger spaces where its roots and branches have room to spread.

Q: What maintenance does Salix babylonica require?
Regular watering and annual pruning to remove any dead or damaged branches will keep it healthy and maintain its shape.

youtube