Japanese Pink Pussy Willow

The Japanese Pink Pussy Willow (Salix gracilistyla 'Mt. Asama') is a beautiful deciduous shrub known for its unique and eye-catching pink catkins. It is a cultivar of the graceful willow, native to Japan. The plant produces slender, elongated catkins in late winter or early spring that are covered in soft, fuzzy pink hairs, giving them a fluffy appearance. These attractive catkins add a splash of color and texture to the landscape, creating a charming and whimsical display. The shrub itself grows to a height of around 6 to 8 feet, with a slightly narrower spread, forming an upright and compact habit. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are green in color and provide a lovely backdrop to the showy catkins. The Japanese Pink Pussy Willow prefers moist, well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It can tolerate a range of soil types and is relatively low-maintenance. Pruning can be done in early spring to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. The Japanese Pink Pussy Willow is a delightful addition to gardens and is often used in borders, mixed shrub plantings, or as a focal point to showcase its unique and beautiful catkins.