Salix gracistyla 'Mt. Aso'

New to us, Salix gracilistyla 'Mt. Aso' is a medium sized to large, deciduous shrub with masses of unusual bright pinkish-red catkins in late winter and early spring. These catkins are very handsome and much sought after for use in flower arranging.

The summer leaves are dark green in colour. Salix gracilistyla 'Mt. Aso' is also perfect for planting near a stream or pond.

For the best catkin display we would recommend pruning this plant hard back every 3 - 4 years to encourage branching.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil. Salix gracilistyla 'Mt. Aso' enjoys damp or wet soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate to vigorous.
• Habit: Salix gracilistyla 'Mt. Aso'  grows to be a large branching shrub with a rounded crown if left unpruned.
  • Height: 3 m (10 ft)
  • Spread: 3 m (10 ft)

• Notes: Salix gracilistyla 'Mt. Aso' makes an effective garden plant if pruned back to 30 cm (1 ft) above the ground each spring or every 3-4 years before coming into leaf. This reduces the end size and encourages it to produce vigorous upright stems with a superb display of catkins.