Mount Aso Pussy Willow

The Mount Aso Pussy Willow or Salix gracilistyla is one of the first plants to welcome spring. The unique rosy-pink flowers are known as catkins and feature a fuzzy and almost fluffy texture. Each bloom reaches about 2 inches long before transitioning into a silvery color. The bright blooms are coveted by florists and inspired the name 'Mount Aso', which is the largest active volcano in Japan. Admire the spring blooms at a time when the rest of the garden is still waking up. Remember to trim the attractive flowers to feature indoors. Pussy Willow plants bloom from March through April, and the flowers emerge before the foliage. The bluish-gray foliage grows later in the spring and stays in place throughout the summer and fall. Feature this deciduous shrub as a focal point or a specimen planting. The Mount Aso Pussy Willow is a vigorous grower that can adapt to most conditions. Grow this shrub as a perennial in zones 4 through 9. Mount Aso Pussy Willow Care Pussy willows grow best in damp soil, but avoid areas with standing water. Plant it in full sun in rich, moist soil that is loamy and promotes drainage. This plant has average water needs and seldom needs water if grown in damp areas. Feed established plants using a balanced fertilizer applied during the fall. Prune the Mount Aso Pussy Willow to maintain its shape and size. Wait until after the flowers are done blooming to prune. You can also coppice this tree after blooming to encourage young stems with better blooms each year. Spread a thick layer of mulch around the base of the pussy willow in the fall to protect against cold weather. Mount Aso Pussy Willow Spacing The Mount Aso Pussy Willow grows 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. Space shrubs 8 feet apart to create a continuous planting.