Hybrid Willows (HB1 & HB2)- The different sizes and their uses

2 January 2026

At Musgrove Willows, we stock a wide variety of willow varieties, grown on our Somerset farm. Read on to find out a bit more about Hybrid Willows and what they can be used for.

Hybrid (or HB) willows

Hybrid 1 rods are slightly thinner than Hybrid 2 rods; they are well-suited for making living willow domes, tunnels, and play areas. They can also be used in bank revetment works.

They are known for being thicker and stronger than willow rods. Whilst not suitable for weaving with, they are perfect for a variety of other projects.

Living willow

Hybrid willows are usually used in living willow structures and sculptures, but they can also be used green for a variety of other uses.

Green (fresh-cut) and Semi-dry Hybrid willow

Hybrid rods can only be purchased as living willow, but you can remove them from the water and begin the drying process. As the name implies, they are still living (green), meaning they retain some flexibility and can be bent or woven into gentle curves.

As they begin to dry, Hybrid rods are ideal for forming into frame hoops and handle liners whilst still in their semi-green stage. They will also be easier to cut/knife for cutting slypes. They then need to be thoroughly dried before using them in a basket.

Be aware that green willow will shrink as it dries.

They can also be used for frames within the garden, but remember, they may strike if planted, so remove the bark from the first few inches above the ground or ‘plant’ upside down.

Brown (dry) Hybrid willows

Hybrid willow rods can be thoroughly dried and are suitable for outdoor use.

Please take a look at the table below and the photograph for more information.

Length	Hybrid 1 rod count in 10kg /approx width.	Used for	Hybrid 2 rod count in 10kg /approx width.	Used for
6ft	200 (0.4 cm D)	Green– small frame basket hoops, shopper hoops, handle liners, Brown- sticks for small bulrushes, etc.	190 (0.5 cm D)	Green- small frame basket hoops, shopper hoops, handle liners
7ft	140 (0.8cm D)	Green- medium frame basket hoops, shopper hoops Brown- sticks for dragonflies, etc.	130 (0.9cm D)	Green- medium frame baskets, shopper hoops, sticks for dragonflies, etc.
8ft	90 (0.9 cm D)		80 (1.1 cm D)	Green- large cyntell hoops Brown- square work corner posts for dog baskets or log baskets, average garden plant climber uprights
9ft	60 (1.1 cm D)	Green- large cyntell hoops Brown- square work corner posts for dog baskets or log baskets, average garden plant climber uprights	50 (1.13 cm D)	Green-very large baskets Brown- internal structures for large sculptures
10ft	40 (1.3 cm D)		430 (1.5 cm D)	Green or brown- large structural work

Although the diameter of willow sticks can fluctuate slightly from year to year, these sizes can be used as a general guide when selecting willow sticks to use for a particular project.

We can help with all things willow

If you’re embarking on a willow project, we have the expertise to help. All our willow, including our hybrid willows, is grown right here on our Somerset farm, where our family have been growing willow for over 100 years.

Why not also take a look at our Willow Sticks, their different sizes, and their uses guide?

We also regularly host willow weaving courses on the farm, where you will be guided through a willow weaving project by one of our tutors. For more information about our courses and willow products, please get in touch with the Musgrove team.