Native Willow Plant Care

Native Willow (Codonocarpus cotinifolius) belongs to the Gyrostemonaceae family within the Codonocarpus genus. Native Willow is native to all mainland states of Australia, including Victoria. Native Willow is also known as Desert Willow.

Native Willow displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Native Willow produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Willow every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Willow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Codonocarpus cotinifolius tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Native Willow prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Native Willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Willow every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Willow is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Willow can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Native Willow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Native Willow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Native Willow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Native Willow is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Native Willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Native Willow is native to all mainland states of Australia, including Victoria. In cooler regions, grow Native Willow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.