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Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys - Rosegold Pussy Willow

Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys
Rosegold Pussy Willow, Japanese Pussy Willow, Graceful Willow

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Variety of Willow featuring remarkable flowering between February and March, before the appearance of the foliage. This large bush is adorned with longer catkins than those of the typical species, an intense black with brick-red anthers that turn yellow on its reddish branches. Very cold-resistant, it thrives in full sun in any damp to moist soil.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
2.50 m
Spread at maturity
2.50 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Rustic with -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October to November
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time February to March
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Description of Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys - Rosegold Pussy Willow

Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys' differs from the wolf's claw willow by its even darker, longer, non-silky catkins, which are even more decorative. An early flowering, clearly visible on reddish branches still devoid of leaves. It is a large, bushy deciduous shrub with elegant foliage that stands out in the garden.

Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys' is also marketed under its Japanese name Salix 'Kurome', or as S. melanostachys, S. gracilistyla var. melanostachys. The species originates from Asia (Japan, Korea, China) and, like all willows, belongs to the Salicaceae family. The cultivar 'Melanostachys' is a deciduous bush with a spreading and dense habit. Its growth is rapid and it can reach 2 to 3 m in all directions. Its flowering, which occurs in February or March, before the foliage appears, is its main asset. It takes the form of long catkins of intense black that retain their covering at the top for some time, giving them a claw-like appearance. These catkins release brick-red stamens that later become covered with yellow pollen. This flowering, which attracts pollinating insects, is followed by the emergence of compound leaves made up of lanceolate leaves that evolve from a greyish green to a beautiful glossy green. The foliage turns yellow in autumn before falling.

Hardy down to at least -20 °C, the 'Melanostachys' willow is not very demanding regarding soil quality, provided it remains moist while being well-drained. It does not require special maintenance, but severe pruning, carried out every two years, will rejuvenate its branches. In the garden, you can plant it as a specimen or in a bushy mass. It will look stunning alongside the White Dogwood Baton Rouge®, the Shrimp Willow, Japanese Quince, or Hellebores. It will also thrive near water features. Finally, this bush can also be cultivated for floral art; by cutting a few branches, you can create stunning floral arrangements for the home.

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Willow, Salix: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Eva 18 min.
Willow, Salix: planting, pruning and care
Read the article

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.50 m
Spread at maturity 2.50 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour black
Flowering time February to March
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attract pollinators
Good for cut flowers Flower for bouquets

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Salix

Species

gracilistyla

Cultivar

Melanostachys

Family

Salicaceae

Other common names

Rosegold Pussy Willow, Japanese Pussy Willow, Graceful Willow

Botanical synonyms

Salix 'Kurome', Salix melanostachys, Salix gracilistyla var. melanostachys

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference22185

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Planting of Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys - Rosegold Pussy Willow

Plant Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys in full sun, in any soil that is not too dry, but properly drained. The most common disease affecting Willows is anthracnose, caused by a fungus (Marssonina salicicola) that stains its leaves brown. Control measures involve cutting and collecting the affected parts and/or gathering and destroying fallen leaves in autumn. For young plants, the best preventive measure is to spray with Bordeaux mixture at a rate of 25 g per litre of water before bud burst.

When to plant?

Best planting time March, October to November
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Where to plant?

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Back of border, Hedge
Hardiness Rustic with -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Planting spacing Every 250 cm
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, ordinary, well-prepared

Care

Pruning instructions Willows tolerate all types of pruning remarkably well, even the most severe. Prune them in early spring or just after flowering.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February to March
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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