Selected from a deciduous cold-hardy species native to the stream beds and sandbars of the Rocky Mountains, this fetching multistemmed cultivar is embellished with narrow, fine textured blue-green leaves, donning delicate, soft-looking hairs. The upright, smooth purple branches slowly wield a compact, rounded shrub that handles pruning and wet environs plus provides alluring winter color. Known to mitigate erosion and squeeze into tight spots, no-fuss ‘Blue Fox’ creates a stunning, low formal hedge when shorn and a small, shapely specimen in waterside venues, foundation plantings as well as moderately-moist mixed borders.

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 3' 0" – 4' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 3.

Young bright pink shoots plus the slender cream-dappled green leaves forge a dramatic counterpoint to white-streaked grayish green mature foliage. Interest persists as the year progresses: yellow foliar color heralds autumn, new polished bright red stems brighten a winter day, and early spring brings pendent yellow catkins. ‘Hakuro Nishiki’s graceful arching attributes deserve the spotlight a dark background affords. Somewhat more tolerant of occasional dry conditions than most Salix, Dappled Japanese Willow prospers in moderately moist soil and appreciates a late winter or early spring pruning to ensure its artful deciduous display.

Size: 4' 0" – 6' 0" high x 3' 0" – 5' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Handsome, thin bluish green leaves, showy light-colored catkins and supple slim purple stems, which are perfect for basket making, characterize this fast growing versatile Willow. Responsive to shearing, ‘Nana’s easily cultivated compact habit can be sculpted into a colorful topiary, refined-looking hedge or an artful bonsai specimen. In addition to its urbane ornamental merits, Dwarf Purple Osier furnishes nesting sites for small birds, attracts butterflies, aids erosion control and tackles moderate drought along with difficult low soggy sites.

Blooms April–May

Size: 3' 0" – 5' 0" high x 3' 0" – 5' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

This small-sized ground-hugger greets spring with adorable fluffy cream-colored catkins on slender naked branches. The prostrate twigs and branchlets divide into thinner curved reddish stems, weaving a unique pendent drape of thin gray-green deciduous leaves that don silvered undersides. An easily cultivated, artful specimen for containers and rock gardens, ‘Boyd’s Pendula’ can cascade down stone walls, ramble along pathways or be featured as an exquisite bonsai specimen. Full sun ensures its vigor.

Blooms March–April

Size: 10" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.