Overview

Transform your outdoor space with a set of two pussy willow bare root trees, a versatile and attractive addition to any landscape. These dormant live willow plants, scientifically known as Salix discolor, are celebrated for their distinctive soft, fuzzy catkins that emerge in late winter to early spring, signaling the arrival of warmer weather. Each tree measures approximately 1-2 feet tall, providing a robust starting point for establishing a beautiful and functional feature in your garden. Known for their rapid growth and adaptability, pussy willow bare root trees are an excellent choice for creating natural screens, windbreaks, or ornamental focal points, especially near water features or in moist areas of your yard. Their ease of care and striking seasonal interest make them a favorite among gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.

These fast growing willow shrubs are delivered as bare roots, ensuring they are ready for planting upon arrival. The bare root form allows for easier establishment and often leads to more vigorous growth once planted. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of wild elegance, these willows quickly mature into substantial shrubs or small trees, providing shade and habitat. They are a resilient species, capable of thriving in a range of conditions, making them a reliable choice for gardeners across various regions. Embrace the natural beauty and rapid development of these charming pussy willow plants in your landscape design.

Key Benefits

Investing in pussy willow bare root trees offers numerous advantages for your garden and local ecosystem. These plants are not only beautiful but also highly functional, contributing to a vibrant outdoor environment. Their unique characteristics make them a standout choice for a variety of landscaping needs.

• Early Spring Interest: Pussy willows are among the first plants to show signs of life in late winter, with their iconic soft, silvery catkins providing much-needed visual interest and a hint of spring when most other plants are still dormant. These catkins are also a valuable early food source for pollinators.
• Fast-Growing Nature: Known for their vigorous growth rate, these fast growing willow plants quickly establish themselves and provide significant coverage or height in a relatively short period. This makes them ideal for quickly filling in spaces, creating privacy screens, or establishing windbreaks.
• Cold-Hardy & Adaptable: These cold hardy shrubs are remarkably resilient, thriving in USDA zones 4-9. They can withstand harsh winter temperatures and adapt to a variety of soil conditions, making them suitable for many different climates and garden types.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, pussy willow bare root trees require minimal care, making them an excellent option for busy gardeners or those new to planting. They are generally resistant to many common pests and diseases, simplifying their upkeep.
• Versatile Landscaping Use: Whether you want to create a natural hedge, an ornamental focal point, or stabilize soil near water features, these willows are incredibly versatile. Their mature size allows them to be used as large shrubs or small trees, fitting diverse design needs.
• Wildlife Attraction: The early catkins provide a vital food source for bees and other early pollinators, supporting local biodiversity. The dense foliage later offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife, enhancing your garden’s ecological value.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your pussy willow bare root trees is straightforward, thanks to their adaptable and hardy nature. Proper planting and initial care will ensure these outdoor landscaping plants thrive and provide years of beauty. Pussy willows prefer locations that mimic their natural habitat, often found near streams and in moist areas.

For sunlight requirements, pussy willow bare root trees perform best in full sun, meaning they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate partial shade, their growth rate and catkin production might be reduced. When it comes to watering, these plants love consistent moisture. Ensure the soil remains moist, especially during their establishment period. Once mature, they are somewhat tolerant of short dry spells but will flourish with regular watering, particularly during hot, dry periods. They are ideal for planting near ponds, streams, or in areas of your garden that tend to stay damp. The ideal soil type is a rich, moist, well-draining loam. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, as long as it doesn’t become waterlogged for extended periods. Good drainage is important to prevent root rot.

These cold hardy shrubs are suitable for USDA zones 4-9, making them tolerant of a wide range of cold temperatures. Fertilization is generally not heavily required. A balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring can encourage vigorous growth, but avoid over-fertilizing. Pruning is beneficial and often necessary to maintain shape and size. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth appears and after the catkins have faded. You can cut back hard to encourage a bushier habit or allow them to grow into a small tree. Common problems are rare, but watch for willow blight or rust, which can be managed with proper air circulation and occasional fungicides if severe. Overall, these are robust and forgiving plants, perfect for creating a vibrant landscape.

Size & Details

This offering includes a set of two pussy willow bare root trees, each measuring approximately 1-2 feet tall upon arrival. These dormant plants are shipped without soil or leaves, ready for immediate planting in your garden. When mature, these fast growing willow plants can reach an impressive height of 20-30 feet tall with a spread of similar proportions, depending on growing conditions and pruning practices. Their rapid growth rate means you will see significant development within the first few seasons after planting, quickly establishing a striking presence in your landscape.

The bare root form promotes quick establishment and vigorous root development once planted in their permanent location. Pussy willows are perennial trees, meaning they will return year after year, providing consistent beauty and ecological benefits. Expect the characteristic fuzzy catkins to appear in late winter to early spring, followed by lush green foliage throughout the growing season. These dormant willow plants are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a substantial, low-maintenance, and visually appealing addition to their outdoor environment that matures into a grand specimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these pussy willow bare root trees get? A: Each pussy willow bare root trees plant is approximately 1-2 feet tall when shipped. Once planted and established, they can mature into large shrubs or small trees, typically reaching 20-30 feet tall and wide, depending on growing conditions and if they are pruned.
• Q: Are these indoor or outdoor plants? A: These are primarily outdoor landscaping plants. Pussy willows are cold-hardy and thrive when planted directly in the ground, making them suitable for gardens, yards, and naturalized areas.
• Q: How much sunlight do these willow plants need? A: Pussy willows prefer full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial shade, full sun exposure promotes the best growth and catkin production for these fast growing willow shrubs.
• Q: Are these plants easy to care for? A: Yes, dormant willow plants are considered low-maintenance and easy to grow. Once established, they are quite resilient and adaptable to various conditions, making them a good choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
• Q: What condition will the bare root trees arrive in? A: They will arrive as dormant bare root trees, meaning they will not have soil or leaves. This is a common and effective way to ship deciduous trees, ensuring they are ready for planting and establishment.
• Q: When is the best time to plant pussy willow bare root trees? A: The ideal time to plant pussy willow bare root trees is in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked and before the heat of summer. This allows them ample time to establish their root systems before active growth begins.
• Q: Will these cold hardy shrubs survive winter in my zone? A: Yes, these are cold hardy shrubs suitable for USDA zones 4-9. They are very tolerant of cold temperatures and are designed to thrive through winter in these specific hardiness zones, going dormant and returning in spring.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for pussy willows? A: Pussy willows prefer moist, well-draining, loamy soil. They are adaptable to various soil types but thrive best where consistent moisture is available, often found naturally near water sources.
• Q: Can these trees be pruned to stay smaller? A: Absolutely. Pussy willows respond very well to pruning. You can prune them heavily in late winter or early spring to control their size and shape, encouraging a bushier habit or maintaining them as a smaller specimen.
• Q: Do these plants attract wildlife? A: Yes, the early emerging catkins of pussy willow bare root trees provide a valuable food source for early pollinators like bees. As they mature, the dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife.