Earlier this week, I talked about forcing pussy willows and forsythia. It didn't take long for the pussy willows to pop out, but the forsythia branches are still working on it. They're coming, they're just a little slower than the fuzzy cats.
First to bloom was the Japanese Fantail Willow (Salix sachalinensis 'Sekka'). They're smaller than the regular pussy willow "toes" by about a fourth. Some are even tinier than that. For perspective, the tiniest toes in this picture are about the size of the head of a pin.
"Bejeweled"
11 comments:
Oh, these are so lovely....make me fell like spring might just make it here, one of these days! We're bracing for another round of precipitation, here in lovely Nova Scotia.
Love that Pussywillow Kylee. I have never seen this before. I have the old fashioned one. It is probably popping today. I must go look.
Gorgeous willow, kylee! I too have the old regular one, but would love the one you show, with that curl, lovely.
Frances at Faire Garden
Oooh. That's beautiful.
So, you have that growing in your garden and you bring cuttings in? I don't think we can grow pussywillows down here, but then as soon I say that, some other Austin garden blogger will prove me wrong.
What a magical looking branch! It has such an amazing form as well as wonderful texture. I can't wait for you to share more photos as everything buds out.
Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage
Do you train the stems to curl that way? Quite interesting if it does it naturally.
Very nice! Is it naturally shaped like that? Happy GTS,
Aiyana
That is so cool, Kylee. I love how the stem curls. I'm curious like the others, is that natural?
Jodi ~ It got to 55 degrees here today, which melted most of the snow. Now we have big "lakes" everywhere and while I hoped to find maybe some crocus blooms under there, nothing looks any different than it did a couple of weeks ago. We're supposed to get more snow tomorrow!
Lisa ~ Yes, you should check. When I cut these, the regular pussy willows were already starting to open.
Frances ~ I really love this one, too, and like most willows, it's a fast grower.
mss@zanthangardens ~ Yes, it's growing in the garden right now. I just go out and cut a few branches to bring in for forcing. I checked on the hardiness zones for this one and it's 4-7. Regular pussy willows are 4-8.
Cindy ~ The forsythia is coming along nicely and will probably be in flower in a day or two. I'll post a picture when it's all out at once.
Ki, Aiyana, and Robin ~ Yes, it grows naturally that way. The branches are fasciated and the thicker ones curl more than the thinner ones. "Sekka" means "fan" in Japanese. Some people think these are ugly, but I really like them!
Lovely photo, Kylee. Enjoyed visiting 'Our Little Acre'. Now when I pop in, I can imagine right where I'll find you.
Thanks for your posts about forcing pussy willows and forsythia. That fantail willow is fantastic!
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