Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock' Half standard
Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock' Half standard
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Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock' — Half Standard
One of Britain's most beloved small weeping trees, Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock' is a compact, top-grafted willow with a naturally pendulous habit that brings year-round structure and seasonal drama to any garden. Supplied here as a half standard, it offers an elegant, defined form that suits formal and informal settings alike — from a lawn focal point to a statement container on a terrace.
Why Choose Kilmarnock Willow?
- Classic weeping habit — graceful, pendulous branches cascade from a clean stem
- Silvery-grey catkins in late winter — one of the earliest signs of the season turning
- Rich golden-yellow autumn foliage — outstanding seasonal colour before leaf fall
- Compact and manageable — ideal for smaller gardens, patios, and containers
- Half standard form provides an elegant, architectural presence from planting
- Fully hardy and low maintenance once established
Growing Conditions
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates heavier soils and wetter conditions better than most ornamental trees. Trim pendulous branches annually after catkins have faded to maintain a neat, balanced canopy and prevent the head from becoming too heavy.
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Planting Instructions
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock' tolerates heavier, wetter soils better than most ornamental trees and performs well in containers with regular watering.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth. Backfill with the original soil, firm well, and stake securely to support the stem in the early years. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping mulch clear of the stem.
For container planting, use a large pot (at least 50–60cm diameter) with good drainage. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, water regularly, and feed annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
Trim pendulous branches lightly after catkins have faded in late winter or early spring to maintain a balanced canopy. Avoid hard pruning into old wood.
Size & Specification
Supplied as a top-grafted half standard with a clean stem of approximately 90–100cm. The weeping canopy adds a further 50–70cm, giving an overall plant height of around 140–170cm at time of supply.
Mature height is typically 1.5–2.0m with a spread of 1.0–1.5m. The half standard form creates a more formal, architectural presence than the quarter standard and is well suited to lawn planting as well as large containers.
Plants are supplied pot-grown and well-established, ready to plant immediately on receipt.
Delivery & Dispatch
Supplied as a pot-grown specimen, available and dispatched year-round subject to stock availability. Plants are carefully packed to protect the stem, canopy, and root ball during transit.
Delivered by courier or pallet depending on order size. You will receive tracking information once your order has been dispatched. Please ensure someone is available to receive the delivery.
Wildlife & Ecological Notes
Salix caprea is one of the most ecologically valuable native willows in the UK. Its catkins emerge in late winter before most other plants, providing a critical early pollen and nectar source for bumblebee queens, honeybees, and early solitary bees emerging from hibernation.
The foliage supports the larvae of over 200 insect species, including the puss moth, eyed hawk-moth, and sallow kitten moth. As a native species it is deeply embedded in the UK food web, supporting birds, bats, and small mammals indirectly through this insect community.
Even in its compact grafted form, Kilmarnock Willow retains full ecological value and is an excellent choice for wildlife-conscious gardeners with limited space.