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Bebb's willow

Salix bebbiana · Salicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around bebb's willow and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
Spring (catkins before leaves)
Mature size
2 to 4 m tall, bushy habit
Growth rate
Fast
Hardiness
Excellent (zone 2 to 7)
Origin
North America (Canada, United States)
Soil type
Moist to fresh, tolerates poor soils

Care

Watering

Salix bebbiana appreciates moist but well-drained soils. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, the plant is quite tolerant of drought thanks to its well-developed root system.

Exposure

Plant the pussy willow in full sun or partial shade. At least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight promotes generous flowering and a compact habit. In too much shade, growth becomes unruly.

Pruning and training

Perform light pruning after flowering (spring) to maintain a balanced form. Remove dead or crossing branches. Coppicing every 2 to 3 years rejuvenates the plant and stimulates new catkin production.

Soil and drainage

Choose a moist soil rich in organic matter. Salix bebbiana tolerates compacted and poor soils better than many willows. Adding compost in spring strengthens its vigor.

Fertilizing

Moderate spring fertilization is sufficient (balanced fertilizer or organic matter). Willows are generally not heavy feeders and excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.

Diseases and pests

Salix bebbiana is generally robust. Watch for willow anthracnose during prolonged damp weather. Thin the plant with light pruning to reduce stagnant humidity. Pests are rare on this hardy species.

Did you know?

The catkins of Salix bebbiana are among the first flowers to emerge in spring, well before the leaves break, offering nectar and pollen to hungry bees and pollinating insects after winter. Its common name 'catkins' comes from the fuzzy gray appearance of its inflorescences, resembling small animal kittens.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.