What soil does Rosegold pussy willow grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Is Rosegold pussy willow hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Rosegold pussy willow be planted?

Plant it at least 3.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Rosegold pussy willow flower?

Flowering: February–April, pink, silver, red.

How much water does Rosegold pussy willow need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

Rosegold pussy willow

Salix gracilistyla

Rosegold pussy willow (Salix gracilistyla) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low.

Illustration of Rosegold pussy willow — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A broad, bushy pussy willow that carries its striking catkins in late winter before the leaves: 'Mount Aso' has pink ones, while 'Melanostachys', often sold as Salix melanostachys, has almost black catkins with red anthers, and the cut stems last well in a vase. Most catkins form on young, vigorous shoots, so cut it back hard after flowering, down to the base every few years if you like. It wants moist soil and copes badly with drying out, so plant it near water or where you can irrigate; it is also sold grafted on a stem.

Watch out for

The usual willow diseases occur: blights, powdery mildew, leaf spots, scab and cankers, and the roots are susceptible to honey fungus. Aphids, scale insects, lacebugs, caterpillars and borers can damage it. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it scorches and drops leaves without regular watering. The wood is weak and easily broken by wind, snow and ice, so give it a sheltered spot. The shallow roots can grow into drains and make it hard to grow anything underneath. Only male plants have showy catkins; on plants grafted on a stem, remove shoots coming from the stem and the rootstock.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D February–April, pink, silver, red

All details

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	1.8–4 m × 1.8–4 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	February–April, pink, silver, red
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 3.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	Leaves
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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