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The largest of the varieties, Salix cinerea can grow to heights of up to 49 feet as an older tree. It tends towards a brushy habit, creating stands of willow stalks that average 13-18 feet in height.
Pussy willows thrive in temperatures between 60° and 65° F (16° to 18° C), and can easily withstand temperatures down to 35° F (2° C). High temperatures are no problem for established trees. Water and Humidity
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In fresh arrangements, the catkins will continue to develop into full flowers as the stalks will still have access to water. These fluffy blossoms are often used as part of Chinese New Year celebrations, tied together in clusters with red felt. As they will develop roots in water, it is possible to use them as a fresh arrangement and then plant them later! These shrubs and trees are full-sun plants. They can tolerate some partial shade as well, especially in warmer climates. They are hardy to USDA zones 7 and 8, though they’ll survive anywhere you don’t have terribly cold winters. When direct-planting, dip the cut end into some rooting hormone and place at least 4″ of the cutting underground for stability. Water often. Roots should develop within a couple weeks. Aphids and scale insects can be problematic for pussy willow. Both can be eliminated by regular applications of neem oil on the leaves and branches. Pyrethrin sprays can also be effective. While it’s definitely a relative of the willow family, it often grows more as a shrub. Older specimens do become trees, but they tend to have weaker branches that don’t support much weight.
Trying to grow longer stalks requires more nitrogen to spur plant growth. If you’re trying to grow long stalks to harvest, you should add some extra nitrogen in the fall to encourage early development. While we recommend well-draining soil for most plants, pussy willows don’t need it. They do have wide-spreading roots, so soil that is very clay-like may cause the plants to grow slowly. This may be preferable for those planting in smaller areas. The most complicated part of caring for this gorgeous plant is ensuring that there’s plenty of water, as they’re water-loving plants. But let’s go over the most important aspects to ensure you get a lush and healthy plant! Light and Temperature While many people never have to fertilize their pussy willows, occasionally there can be nutrient imbalances in the soil. You will see the classic signs of those. For example, in the photo in the “pruning” segment above, you can see one very yellowed leaf that appears to have burned edges. Pussy willow trees tend to be dioecious, with male and female parts on separate trees. The male plants produce the fuzzy catkins that give these trees their name. While you only need a male plant to enjoy the flowers, you’ll need female plants as well to produce viable seeds through wind pollination.The common name of these plants may have originated in an old folk tale. The story goes that kittens playing along a riverbank fell in, and the willow trees reached into the water to save them. Thus, the development of pussy willow trees. A: The easiest way to dry your pussy willow branches while maintaining the small, newly-opened catkins is to display them. Cut your branches right after the catkins have opened and place them into a dry vase, or bundle them as shown above. Allow them to dry out while on display! It’s difficult to grow pussy willows in a pot as they become older. Growing in pots is usually used for starting young plants. The wide, dense, and spreading root mass often causes them to get root bound in pots. Most cut pussy willow stems are in a sort of time warp—dried at their peak fuzziness, and never allowed to fully flower. But if you keep fresh-cut pussy willows hydrated, you can see the whole flowering cycle and even the leafing-out process. Buy a healthy-looking bunch (look for flexible, greenish stems that don’t feel brittle or look shriveled), and place in a vase near a window, changing the water daily. You can add a little flower food if you have some.
Catkin distribution on Salix cinerea tends to be cluster at the tips of branches. Leaf buds form along the branches as well. They usually have a single flower around which large leaves form. Pussy Willow Care The highly important medicine, aspirin is developed from willow species. Some gardeners swear by the use of aspirin for plants, but there’s a lot of debate around that topic. Pussy Willow Varieties Seeds form in the female catkins. When they are ready, the catkins will begin to release their seeds still attached to some of the white fluff. If you’re growing yours in a container, you’ll need to fertilize it. Either a balanced liquid fertilizer or a granular fertilizer will work. If you’re using a granular fertilizer, sprinkle it away from the trunk towards the edge of your container. If you’re using a liquid fertilizer, apply it beside the trunk.For larger plants, transplant them into the soil so that their roots can continue to spread. This will ensure the best likelihood of a healthy plant. A: Often, they’re used as part of flower arrangements, both fresh and dried. If you cut them right after the catkins have opened, and allow them to dry out, the fuzzy catkins will remain in place. The stems will turn a uniform shade of brown, making them a striking addition to dry arrangements. The imported willow leaf beetle,Plagiodera versicolora, causes skeletonization of leaves in its larval form. The adult form can leave large holes in leaves. Eliminate this beetle using BT, but the same caution holds true as above. Diseases Let’s dive into the history of this willow-tree relative. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know to grow your own pussywillow in your yard! Salix discolor after a fall coppice pruning, as the spring catkins are forming. Source: Lorin Nielsen
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