Pussy Willow
Is a Pussy Willow a tree, a shrub or a bush? What did you guess? Early in
the life of a Pussy Willow Tree (did you catch the clue), it looks just like
a bush or a shrub. Keep it trimmed back, and allow it to grow four to six,
or even eight feet tall, and it will continue to look like a bush or a shrub.
But as you guessed, the Pussy Willow is a tree. It can grow twenty to thirty
feet high, or more. Like other willows, it is soft-wooded.
A Pussy Willow tree is popular for it's soft, grayish, fur-like buds on long,
straight stems. The buds begin to open very early in the spring. They make
great indoor arrangements, and are long lasting. Bring them indoors to brighten
the room. Pussy Willows bring with it the expectations of spring and a new
gardening season ahead!
Floral Arrangement:
The term floral arrangement is a misnomer. They are not flowers. They are
furry buds (future leaves), that we cherish in our vases and displays. Most
people call them a floral arrangement anyway.
Place Pussy Willows in a vase and do not add water. The willows buds last
for weeks, and usually not open. You can put water in the vase. We do not
recommend it, as they will root and the buds may continue to open, ruining
the look and appearance.
Growing Pussy Willows:
Pussy willows, like other willows, are a soft wooded tree that grows rapidly.
Keep them rigorously pruned to the desired height. If you let it get away
from you, these willows quickly grow 20 - 30 feet. If it does get out of
hand, cut the trunk a couple of feet above the ground. New shoots will soon
emerge.
Pussy Willows are easily rooted. Place a young, 12 to 18 inches willow stem
in water. in just a couple of weeks, the roots grow enough to transplant.
Transplant anywhere in your yard. Willows prefer lower land with lots of
moisture, to help to fuel their quick growth. Soil can be fair to poor.
Did you know? You can force Puss Willows into blooming in the middle
of winter. It's easy. Just go out to your Pussy Willow tree and cut off a
few stems. Bring them indoors, and place them in water. In a couple of weeks,
you will have a little bit of spring in the middle of winter. When the buds
reach the desired size, remove the stems from water.
How to Force Blooms
More Information:
Live Trees, Bushes and Shrubs - hundreds of varieties
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality
Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee
to grow".
Compact Compost Tumbler is the perfect solution to quickly convert kitchen
and yard waste into rich, organic compost.
Buy a Composter now
Learn
about Composters and Composting
|
