Plant in a sunny spot with plenty of space, as it grows into a large, fast-growing tree. It prefers moist, fertile ground and will thrive beside streams, ponds, or any area that stays reliably damp, though it will still cope with ordinary soil if it doesn’t dry out too much.

Set the tree at the same depth as in the pot, water well in the first couple of years, and mulch each spring to help keep moisture in the soil. Avoid planting close to drains, patios or foundations, as willow roots travel widely in search of water.

Although pruning is not necessary, the most vibrant winter stem colour is found on new growth. For an optimal display, trim the stems to 10cm (4in) annually during early spring, just as the leaf buds begin to swell. An alternative is to reduce one-third of the oldest stems every year during early spring to encourage the growth of new stems without leaving a blank area in your border.