Weeping Pussy Willow Care: Tips For Growing Weeping Pussy Willows

If you are ready for an unusual tree that will create excitement every spring, consider the weeping pussy willow. This small but spectacular willow overflows with silky catkins in early spring. Read on for more weeping pussy willow information, including tips on how to grow weeping pussy willows.

What is a Weeping Pussy Willow?

If you are looking for a new addition to your garden that will create early spring interest in the landscape, look no further. Start growing weeping pussy willows (Salix caprea 'Pendula'). According to weeping pussy willow information, it’s a small willow with pendulous branches. 

Every year in late winter or early spring, those branches overflow with pussy willows, those fuzzy gray catkins soft to the touch as kittens. These lovely little trees will fit into almost any garden. You can start growing weeping pussy willows in a small corner space, since they only grow to 8 feet (2 m.) tall with a spread of up to 6 feet (2 m.). 

These trees thrive both in sunny sites and sites with partial shade. This willow will need some sun in the afternoons, however. Sited appropriately, weeping pussy willow care is minimal.

How to Grow Weeping Pussy Willows

If you are wondering how to grow weeping pussy willows, take your climate into consideration. The trees thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. To start growing weeping pussy willows, plant the trees in spring or autumn. If you are planting more than one, space them 5 to 10 feet (1.5-3 m.) apart. For each plant, dig holes considerably larger than the root ball of the plant, up to two times as wide and deep. 

Position the tree at the same level in the soil as it was planted previously, then fill the hole with soil, tamping it down with your hands. You’ll have an easier time with weeping pussy willow care if you build walls of soil to keep water near the root ball to create a kind of watering bowl. Fill the bowl with water immediately after planting. 

When you are growing weeping pussy willows, you may need to stake them until the roots are anchored. If you decide to stake, insert the stake before you plant the tree.