Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys

Description

Wow!… Just wow!! You really can’t get a more striking plant for your late winter and spring garden – and we’re so excited to be able to bring it to you! Absolutely exquisite with its gorgeous black fluffy catkins which just beg to be stroked as you walk past the bush. The fuzzy bunny tails burst from the tight red buds as the temperature warms in early spring, bringing a contrast to your garden, with the promise of warmer weather to come. Perfect for a winter garden, the pussy-willow catkins start to appear from late winter and last well into the spring, and the stems are truly impressive when cut and brought into the house for an early flower display, making a great visual impact. As the season progresses, the black powder puffs gradually turn golden as the pollen emerges, bringing a subtle shift of colour to the whole bush, before the blue-green leaves emerge and form a magnificent backdrop to other plants and flowers in the garden. Not just a pretty face, ‘Melanostachys’ is also known for its abilty to tolerate pollution, salt sea air and damp areas – a truly versatile and useful plant! Supplied as established plants in 9cm pots, with an ultimate height and spread of 3m (10ft), but can be restricted by pruning.