Black Pussy Willow
This listing is for one (1) Black Pussy Willow plant that ranges in size between 8 and 10 inches in height.
The plant you will receive will be between these ranges of size as there will be slight differences from the photos in the listing as no two plants are the same. They will be guaranteed vibrant and healthy and ready for transplanting. We do not ship with the pot as the pot allows for too much soil moisture evaporation. It will be securely adhered to the package wall for the safest shipping method possible.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: From October to March, we ship these plants in their dormant state. This means they will have no leaves. The stem will be strewn with buds for this coming spring's growth. If you live in a southern state, these will push new growth upon planting them as dormancy is dependent on hours of daylight and temperature. We are located in New York State and temperatures can differ drastically around the country. Please contact us with any questions on dormancy. We do send dormant planting instructions with every order.
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Salix
Species: S. gracilistyla
This willow is native to temperate Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. It is now widely cultivated.
General Description: A beautifully unique showstopper that will add complexity to any flower arrangement or garden. Plus, the honeybees very much enjoy this plant in the spring. Unique plant, pollinator friendly, wonderful colors, how can anyone go wrong with this plant in their yard?
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
Maintenance: Low
Mature Height: 6 to 10 feet
Mature Width: 6 to 9 feet
Plant Details:
Growth Habit: Fast growth, rounded in shape. Annual growth rate of 12 to 18 inches.
Leaf Structure: Alternate, glossy, oval green leaves. Young leaves start off red and mature quickly into green.
Stem Structure: Smooth dark red stems are most dominant in the winter when all the leaves are gone. Early growth can start off green, and anything that is shaded by the leaves.
Bark Structure: Smooth.
Bloom Time: Early spring.
Bloom Color: Jet black male and female catkins. The male catkins have red anthers which turn soft yellow from pollen.
Soil Preference: Sand, Clay, Loam.
Watering Preference: Heavy.
Sunlight Preference: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Fruit production: N/A
Nut production: N/A
Main use of plant:
Indoor: Can be grown in pots, place in a sunny window and keep well-watered.
Outdoor: Makes a great accent plant in winter gardens, addition to pollinator gardens, used as hedges, or along borders.
How to harvest branches in late winter/early spring for cut flowers:
1. Select a few of the interior branches and cut at a 45° angle just above a swelling bud that faces outward.
2. Place in warm water in a sunny window. Replace water every day.
History: Pussy willows are a wonderful spring plant. Everyone can look to these beauties as a sign winter is truly over. This cultivar happens to be relatively new on the market. Yes, they have been in production for some time, but only recently have they begun to grab the attention of the gardener.
Winterization Methods: Protect the lower trunk and branches from small mammals like rabbits and mice by wrapping in burlap.
Fun Fact: Pussy willows are usually considered a ditch weed, but not this plant. This plant deserves to be placed in an area of attention as it will draw that of all your neighbors, that is if you have any.
General Notes:
They max out at about 8 feet in height and 5 feet width. They love to be trimmed. We cannot say enough good things about this plant. Since we began growing it over ten years ago, we weren't sure how well it would do in our climate. Our nursery is on the coast of Lake Erie in New York State and the winters can be brutal. This plant has taken every beating that can be thrown at it and it still performs wonderfully. The more you trim the tighter the blooms will be next spring.
Attracts butterflies, pollinators, songbirds, and specialized bees.
Great early spring pollen source.
Can be cut to the ground every 3 to 5 years to help maintain the plant as a smaller shrub.
We grow everything organically with a beneficial insect program. We do not use chemical fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides. We use a preventive program for pests with the use of Ladybugs, Green Lacewings, Praying Mantis, and Predatory Mites to battle soft bodied bugs and Nematodes in the soil to combat any soil dwelling pests. Our dedication to safe and harmless plants is seen throughout all our products. We are all stewards to Planet Earth, and we must protect it.
Soil pH level guide: Acid to Neutral to Alkaline. Acidic soil has a pH of 1 to 6.5. Neutral soil has a pH of 6.6 to 7.3. Alkaline soil has a pH of 7.4 to 14. If you do not know your garden's pH level, please go out and buy a cheap soil pH testing kit which can be found in any hardware store, typically under $5.00.
We offer one shipping service:
USPS Priority Mail - a 2 to 5 day delivery service -- this has insurance coverage.
We use the USPS because we enjoy supporting a service that has held America together since its inception. Over the years of our shipping of plants we have found USPS Priority to be the most reliable and diligently insured. Our focus is making sure your plants arrive to you in a luxuriously healthy state. Your order is our Priority.
We are a registered New York State Nursery.
We are inspected and licensed by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as nursery stock growers.
We are certified pest and disease-free.
Our license Number: 646089 - feel free to look us up on the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website.
With each order, we send along an informational packet to help you along with your growing adventures. If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help! We want you to make the right choice for your growing desires.
All information in this listing is copyrighted by Dylman Gardens.