Beginners Basket Willow Collection

Beginners Basket Willow Collection

20 or 40 FRESH HIGH QUALITY BASKET WILLOW CUTTINGS.

A curated bundle of 4 colourful and easy to grow basket willow varieties. 5 or 10 cuttings of each Variety.
Varieties include,

• Golden Rod,
• Osier Willow, 
• Brown Mule,
• Lancashire Dicks 

Golden rod (Salix alba ‘Vitellina’)

Golden Rod Willow (Salix alba ‘Vitellina’) is a striking cultivar prized for its striking yellow stems. It’s a favourite among basket makers for its long, straight rods that are both pliable and strong.

This willow thrives in damp ground and responds well to annual coppicing, producing a flush of uniform rods ideal for harvesting. Cut back in late winter to encourage vigorous regrowth and maintain rod quality. After 2–3 years of growth, plants reach full productivity, offering a sustainable supply of weaving material year after year.

Golden Rod Willow also supports biodiversity, providing shelter and early-season pollen for wildlife.

Whether you’re growing for craft, colour, or conservation, this is a must-have willow for any basketry enthusiast or regenerative grower.

Osier Willow (Salix viminalis)

Osier Willow (Salix viminalis) is one of the most widely used willows in traditional basketry, known for its vigorous growth and straight, flexible rods. It produces tall, slender stems that are ideal for weaving from stake-and-strand baskets to living structures and fencing.

This fast-growing variety thrives in damp soils and responds well to annual coppicing, yielding a generous supply of rods each season. Its stems curve to a warm buff tone and are prized for their strength and pliability, making it a go-to choice for both beginners and experienced weavers.

Osier Willow also plays a valuable role in wildlife gardens and regenerative landscapes. It provides early-season pollen for pollinators, stabilises soil in wet areas, and adds vertical interest to hedgerows and naturalistic plantings.

Brown Mule (Salix triandra)

Brown Mule Willow (Salix triandra) is a heritage basketry willow long prized for its fine, straight rods and deep colouration. Its stems range from olive green to dark mahogany, eventually curing to a near-black finish, making it a standout material for weaving.

Highly productive and fast-growing, Brown Mule responds well to annual coppicing, producing uniform rods. It thrives in damp soils and full sun, and quickly establishes a reliable cycle of harvestable growth.

Brown Mule Willow is a must-have for any basket maker’s plot, easy to grow and visually striking.

Lancashire Dicks (Salix purpurea) 

Lancashire Dicks (Salix purpurea) is a refined basketry willow known for its slender, uniform rods and gentle colour transitions. Fresh growth is bright green at the base, fading to yellow with red tips. It’s a favourite among weavers for its fine texture, pliability, and consistent quality, making it ideal for delicate work, borders, and sculptural forms.

This variety grows quickly and responds well to annual coppicing, producing straight rods that cure to a warm mid-brown. It’s especially valued for stake-and-strand weaving and is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of handling and forgiving nature.

Lancashire Dicks is also a beautiful ornamental shrub when left uncopied, with colourful winter stems that add structure and brightness to the garden, as with most willow, it also offers an important early season pollen source.