Why it is called Weeping Pussy Willow? | Care and Tips to Grow
Weeping Pussy Willow, scientifically known as Salix caprea ‘Pendula‘, is a unique and attractive deciduous tree. It combines the drooping branches of a weeping willow with the soft, furry catkins of a pussy willow. These trees typically grow up to 8 feet tall and the Pendulous branchs spread up to 6 feet wide, making them suitable for many gardens. The name “pussy willow” comes from the silky, gray catkins that appear in late winter or early spring, which are soft to touch, resembling a kitten’s fur.
Willows are with ornamental value and year-round interest. In spring, they show their distinctive catkins, followed by oval leaves with serrated edges in summer. Fall brings color change before the leaves drop, revealing an attractive branch structure for winter. These trees thrive in temperate climates and hardiness zones (USDA zones 4-8), adapting well to various conditions including the California climate.
How to Grow Weeping Pussy Willow
Following guide will help you to grow WPW well in your garden corner.
- Choose the right location: Select a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ensure the area has well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Prepare the soil: Improve soil drainage if needed by mixing in compost. Pussy Willows prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. For a tree in a 5″ pot, make the hole about 10″ wide. Place the tree at the same depth it was in the container.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive growth.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Trim to maintain the desired shape and size.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk. This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pest and disease management: Monitor for common willow pests like aphids or scale insects. Remove any affected parts promptly to prevent spread.
- Propagation: If desired, propagate new plants using softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
- Winter care: In colder regions, protect young trees from harsh winter winds. Reduce watering in winter when the tree is dormant.
- Container growing: For smaller spaces, Weeping Pussies can be grown in large containers. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
How to Care for Salix caprea
Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ is a beautiful tree that can add charm to any garden.Here’s how to take care of this special tree:
Exposure to Light
Willows love sunlight. Plant your tree where it can get full sun for most of the day. If you live in a very hot place, some afternoon shade is okay. This will help your tree grow strong and produce lots of those cute, furry catkins.
Water Requirements
These trees like their soil to stay damp, but not too wet. Water your Weeping Pussy Willow deeply every 9 days. If it’s really hot or dry, you might need to water more often. Just check the soil – if it feels dry a few inches down, it’s time to water.
Suitable Soil
Weeping Pussy Willows grow best in soil that drains well but can hold some moisture. If your garden soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost to help it drain better.
Fertilizer Requirements
In the spring, when your tree starts to wake up from winter, give it some food. Use a balanced fertilizer – that means the numbers on the package are all the same, like 10-10-10. This will help your tree grow new leaves and branches.
Pruning
To keep your Willows looking its best, you’ll need to trim it sometimes. Do this in late winter, before new growth starts. Cut off any dead branches to help your tree stay healthy and keep its pretty shape.
Staking
When your Willow is young, it might need some help standing up straight. Use a strong stake and tie the tree to it loosely. As the tree grows stronger, you can remove the stake. This usually takes about a year or two.
Types of Pussy Willow
Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ is a unique and popular ornamental tree. There are several related varieties and species that share similar characteristics.
1. Salix caprea ‘Pendula‘ (Standard)
This is the most common type. It grows to about 6-8 feet tall with a spread of up to 6 feet. It features drooping branches and silvery-gray catkins in early spring.
2. Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’ (Kilmarnock Willow)
A smaller variety, typically growing 4-5 feet tall. It has a distinctive umbrella-like shape with strongly weeping branches. The catkins are similar to the standard variety.
3. Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ (Dappled Willow)
While not technically a pussy willow, this variety is often grouped with them. It has variegated leaves in pink, white, and green, and can be trained to have a weeping form.
FAQs
I’m Dr Qaiser Maqsood (PhD), a dedicated researcher and expert in Biological Sciences, Gardening, Bio-Diversity, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences. I’m much concerned about Environmental Pollution, Climate Change, Plantation, Gardening, and Global Warming. My passion is to explore innovative solutions in all these fields.
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