Giant Pussy Willow
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners seeking early spring floral arrangements.
The Giant Pussy Willow is a striking shrub that offers unique visual appeal throughout the seasons. Its foliage emerges with a reddish hue before maturing to a lush green. This plant develops long branches, growing as wide as it is tall, creating a substantial presence in the landscape. In early spring, it produces large, attractive pink catkins that are perfect for cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of natural beauty indoors. This shrub is known for its adaptability and resilience.
$45.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2688
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+14%
Above average
Hardiness Zone
59
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners craving color during the late winter doldrums
- Eco-conscious homeowners supporting early season pollinator health
- Landscapers managing low-lying or consistently damp soil areas
Who should skip it
- Owners of small gardens with limited space for growth
- Designers seeking year-round visual impact from their shrubs
- Gardeners in arid climates without reliable irrigation systems
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Visual Impact
Dynamic foliage shifts and early spring catkins provide year-round garden interest.
Landscape Versatility
Thrives in diverse soil conditions, including challenging wet areas.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Robust defense against common ailments and deer browsing keeps maintenance minimal.
Floral Utility
Large, decorative catkins are ideal for high-impact indoor floral arrangements.
Growth Speed
Rapid development quickly establishes a substantial presence in your landscape.
Establishment Success
Included fertilizer and hydro-gels significantly boost survival rates during planting.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
12-15 Feet
Mature Spread
12-15 Feet
Leaf Type
Deciduous/Herbaceous
Growth Rate
Fast
Bark Type
Rough
Flower Color
White, Yellow, Pink
Sun Exposure
Prefers Full Sun
Features
- Foliage starts red and turns green
- Produces large pink catkins in early spring
- Catkins are excellent for cut flower arrangements
- Deer resistant
- Adapts well to most soil types, including wet areas
- High resistance to leaf scorch, root rot, and powdery mildew
- Attracts birds
- Includes Sooner Guarantee, slow-release fertilizer, and Hydro-Gels with purchase
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Giant Pussy Willow from Sooner Plant Farm. Many reviewers highlight receiving healthy, well packaged plants that establish quickly and grow vigorously. The plants often exceed expectations in size and vitality upon arrival, leading to strong satisfaction. This robust quality, combined with a reasonable price point, underscores a significant perceived value for money, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a thriving pussy willow.
Know before you buy
Because this shrub grows to a mature size of 12 to 15 feet in both height and width, you should plant it in an area that allows for a 15-foot spread. Its fast growth rate means it will fill that space relatively quickly, so avoid planting it too close to structures or walkways.
Yes, the Giant Pussy Willow is highly adaptable and performs well in wet soil conditions. It is an excellent choice for areas where other shrubs might struggle with root rot, as it is naturally resistant to that condition.
No, this variety is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof if food sources are scarce, this shrub is generally not a preferred snack for local wildlife.
You should harvest the catkins in early spring just as they begin to emerge and swell. Cutting them at this stage ensures they look their best and last longer when displayed in a vase indoors.
It is quite low-maintenance, especially given its high resistance to common issues like leaf scorch and powdery mildew. As long as it is planted in full sun, it will thrive with minimal intervention.
Each order comes with a slow-release fertilizer to support steady growth and Hydro-Gels to help the root system retain moisture during the establishment phase. It is also backed by the Sooner Guarantee to ensure you receive a healthy, viable plant.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$45