The silver furry catkins of pussy willow are one of the first signs of spring. While there are many different types of willow, the one most widely grown in gardens is Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’, or ‘Kilmarnock willow’. This is a small tree, growing to just 2.4m high with a spread of up to 1.5m, and forms a stiffly weeping ‘umbrella’ of branches. Yellow-green stems are smothered in fuzzy silver catkins from late winter to early spring on bare twigs, before the leaves open. The pollen-laden catkins are popular with bees.
The Kilmarnock willow is sometimes referred to as ‘weeping willow’ but is not to be confused with the tree more widely known as weeping willow (Salix x chrysocoma) which quickly grows into a huge tree. There are other willow species that are grown for their decorative catkins, and which range in size from compact shrubs up to small trees.
Where to grow a pussy willow tree
The Kilmarnock or pussy willow has a compact weeping habit and is suitable for small gardens. It does best in full sun but will grow in light shade. The branches will eventually grow right down to the ground so any plants growing close by should to be low, ground-covering, and tolerant of shade. Alternatively, grow a pussy willow tree in a courtyard or surrounded by a hard surface such as gravel or paving.
When to plant pussy willow
You can plant potted pussy willows at any time of year, but it’s best to avoid deep winter, when the ground is frozen, or high summer, when temperatures are so hot it will be hard to keep moisture in the soil. Bare-root pussy willows can be planted from November to March.
How to plant pussy willow
Pussy willow is an easy tree to grow on any reasonable soil as long as it’s fertile and doesn’t dry out quickly. While pussy willow does best in moisture retentive soil, it suffers in waterlogged ground, unlike some other willows.
Planting a pussy willow tree is best done in autumn so it can become well established before the growing season. However, spring or even summer planting is fine as long as the tree is watered regularly during dry spells in its first year. Plant the tree so the top of the rootball is at the same level as the surrounding soil, backfill around the rootball and firm the soil around the roots to avoid leaving air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Supporting the tree with a stake is important as the top-heavy head of branches is likely to catch the wind and damage the newly developing roots. Secure the tree to the stake with a rubber tree tie, or a wide flexible material such as old nylon tights. Check the tie for rubbing from time to time and loosen if necessary.
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How to care for pussy willow
Apart from regular watering until the tree is established, little care is needed during the first few years apart from removing any dead or damaged stems. Thin out older trees that become dense and congested by removing entire stems back to the main framework of branches. Avoid shortening stems as this will make congestion worse by encouraging lots of shoots to develop.
How to propagate pussy willow
It’s not possible to propagate pussy willow trees because the shape of the tree is achieved by grafting goat willow (Salix caprea) onto a standard rootstock. This means that if you take cuttings from your pussy willow, you will end up with a goat willow, which is not usually considered ‘garden worthy’.
Pests and diseases
Pussy willow tree is easy to grow and usually trouble-free given the right growing conditions.
The fungal disease anthracnose, scab and canker can sometimes occur, causing brown or black spots on the leaves or young stems, and lesions on the stems. Shoots or larger stems can die off. Prune out dead or dying stems and any affected with lesions. Aphids and caterpillars sometimes appear on the tree, but these are part of the ecosystem of your garden and provide food for birds, so should be welcomed. They rarely cause a problem as long as the tree is healthy and growing strongly.
Advice on buying pussy willow
- Check the height and spread of your Kilmarnock willow before buying – what you think may be a bargain could actually be a very small tree that takes a few years to grow into the space you have allocated
- Check each plant over for signs of pests or diseases. Ensure the plant is healthy before planting
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Pussy willow varieties to grow
- Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’ is the only pussy willow that forms a small weeping tree. Height up to 1.8-2.4 m, spread to 1.5 m.
Other willows grown for their decorative catkins include:
- Salix daphnoides (violet willow). Purple-coloured stems contrast with silvery catkins. Cut back annually in late winter. Vigorous, reaching up to 2.4m.
- Salix gracilistyla ‘Mount Aso’ (Japanese pink pussy willow). Eye-catching fluffy pink catkins followed by blue-green leaves. Forms a rounded bush up to 1.5 m high and wide.
- Salix hastata Wehrhahnii. Silvery catkins produced on purple-brown stems. Compact and dwarf in habit, maximum 1 m height and spread.
