About
the
Pussy
Willow
-
French
:
The
French
Pussy
Willow,
Salix
discolor,
grows
well
in
almost
any
soil
but
it
is a
good
idea
to
supplement
it
with
peat
moss,
leaf
mold
or
compost.
They
require
full
sun
to
thrive,
but
will
survive
in
the
shade
as
well.
As
with
most
willows,
they
do
best
when
given
lots
of
water.
Although
they
can
be
allowed
to
grow
unpruned,
the
plant
will
benefit
from
regular
pruning
after
blooming.
Prune
the
lowest
branches
back
to
the
trunk,
and
prune
for
shape.
You
can
even
cut
the
tree
back
to a
six
inch
stump
every
2-3
years
(severe
pruning
results
in
the
longer
stems
and
larger
catkins).
Flowers
form
on
the
previous
season's
growth,
not
on
new
growth
so
do
not
prune
until
the
flowers
have
faded.
For
early
bloom,
cut
branches
of
pussy
willows
may
be
brought
in
and
set
in a
water
filled
vase
in a
sunny
window
anytime
after
the
middle
of
January.
The
catkins
will
develop
and
make
a
nice
display
for
a
considerable
time.
