Salix elaeagnos - Shrub - Height 60-80cm - 10lt

Salix repens var. nitida, often called the shining creeping willow, is a low-growing, spreading shrub highly valued for its glossy foliage and adaptability. Native to Europe, it naturally occurs in coastal dunes, heathlands, and sandy soils, where it helps stabilize the ground and enrich biodiversity. This variety is a form of the common creeping willow (Salix repens), but it is distinguished by its particularly lustrous, dark green leaves. The upper surfaces of the leaves are smooth and shiny, while the undersides are paler and often silky, creating a subtle contrast that adds visual interest throughout the seasons.

Typically reaching a height of 30–60 cm, S. repens nitida forms dense mats with arching or trailing stems that root as they spread, making it especially useful as groundcover in naturalistic or wildlife-friendly gardens. In spring, it produces catkins—slender, soft, and attractive to pollinators—which provide an early nectar source for bees and other insects. Its tolerance of poor, acidic, or sandy soils, coupled with good wind resistance, makes it a reliable plant for exposed sites. Combining resilience with understated beauty, Salix repens nitida is both ecologically valuable and ornamentally pleasing.