Japanese Pink Pussy Willow A stunning, compact new cultivar suitable for the smallest garden, Salix gracilistyla Mount Aso® is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with an upright, bushy habit. In late winter and early spring charming, fuzzy pink catkins or ‘pussies’ appear on the naked stems, a wonderful feature in the winter garden and lovely for cutting and arranging. The leaves are green with a silvery underside, making a shimmering background for summer flowers. Japanese pink pussy willow is easy to grow, needing minimal pruning. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any moist, well-drained soil, preferably humus-richPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: Winter, springHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: to 5’ (1.5m) Spread: to 5’ (1.5m)