Pussy Willow (Salix caprea) - 1 gallon -Ship Only
Pussy Willow (Salix caprea) - 1 gallon -Ship Only
Plant Details
- Size
- 1 Gallon
- Attributes
- Native, Naturalizing, Roof Garden, Tolerates Clay, Urban Tolerant, Wetland Plants
- Category
- Shrub
- Exposure
- Sun
- Features
- Inedible fruit, Spring flowering, Yellow Fall Color
- Habit
- Rounded
- Height
- 10-15'
- Soil
- Moist
- Width
- 6-8'
- Zone
- 4-8
Description
The Pussy Willow, or Salix caprea, is a charming addition to any garden, known for its soft, fluffy catkins that appear in early spring, signaling the end of winter's chill. This delightful shrub, native to Europe and Western Asia, brings both beauty and ecological benefits to your outdoor space. Typically reaching heights of 15-25 feet, the Pussy Willow features slender, dark green leaves with a silvery underside. Its standout feature, the velvety catkins, are not only visually appealing but also provide essential early-season nectar for pollinators, making it a great choice for eco-conscious gardeners. Caring for Salix caprea is straightforward. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering ensures optimal growth, and it is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, capable of withstanding harsh winter conditions. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Pussy Willow is perfect for creating stunning floral arrangements, offering a unique texture and natural elegance. Its early blooms can brighten up any room, providing a touch of spring indoors. Historically, the Pussy Willow has held a place in various cultural traditions and folk remedies, adding a layer of historical charm to its modern-day allure. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's aesthetic or bring a piece of nature indoors, the Pussy Willow offers a simple yet profound solution.We do our best to ship within 1–2 business days via UPS Ground. Depending on the location, orders arrive in 3–5 days.
Orders placed on Friday will ship the following Monday.
Shipping to Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington? These orders take a little longer — 3–10 days depending on when the order is placed — because they require dipping.
Dipping is a quick root treatment required by these states to guard against pests like the Japanese beetle, so your plant can ship in safely. It's a normal step — it just adds a little time.
Will this grow in my area?
This plant is hardy in Zones 4–8. Enter your ZIP to check your zone.
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1. Dig a hole 1½–2× the width of your plant's root ball. Set the soil to the side.
2. Mix your backfill — Pine Bark Soil Conditioner, Compost & Native Soil (1/3 of each) in a wheelbarrow or on the ground.
3. Plant it high — when backfilling, keep the plant 2–3" higher than the surrounding soil (as shown). Plant flush with the soil if in a raised bed.
4. Mulch the top of the soil 2–3" deep around the plant — keep mulch away from the main trunk.
5. Feed as you plant with Holly-tone for acid-loving plants.
The 1/3 backfill blend:
Over- and under-watering is the #1 cause of plant death — so always check the soil before you water.
- Clear or dusty → water the plant
- Muddy → soil is too wet
- Moist with a little soil clinging to it → watered just right ✓
- Won't go in → water immediately
Newly planted trees & shrubs — keep the soil moist their first season and never let it dry out. Water slowly at the base (hose ~6" from the trunk, pencil-thin stream):
- Shrubs — 3 min
- Ornamentals (flowering crab, etc.) — 10 min
- Evergreens (6') — 15 min
- Deciduous (2½" caliper) — 15 min (+15 min per extra inch)
Using a Gator Bag? Fill it every 3 days.
How often (OHIO Weather) (new plantings):
- Apr 15 – May 15: once a week
- May 16 – Sept 15: twice a week
- Sept 16 – Oct 31: once a week
- Mid-Nov – early Dec: once, if the ground isn't frozen
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