The Willow 'Mount Aso'

Where does this amazing willow come from?

Willows… There are all sorts: some magnificent, some spectacular, and… even more beautiful willows. We previously talked about the Salix acutifolia ‘Blue Streak’, a willow with bluish branches. This time, a completely different willow is being presented: Salix ‘Mount Aso’.

This willow is native to Japan. The name ‘Mount Aso’ refers to Mount Aso, an active volcano in southern Japan. Regarding the scientific name of the species, botanists are not yet entirely in agreement. Is it derived from Salix gracilistyla or rather from Salix chaenomeloides? To keep it simple, you will often find just the variety name on the labels: Salix ‘Mount Aso’.

Why plant a 'Mount Aso' Willow at home?

The ‘Mount Aso’ Willow features slightly reddish branches, reminiscent from a distance of a decorative wood dogwood. However, it is primarily the pink-red flowering aments that appear from the end of January or in February that makes this willow a must-have in our gardens.

The green foliage somewhat resembles that of a Japanese quince (hence its presumed lineage with Salix chaenomeloides). It may sometimes take on coppery orange hues before falling in autumn. In winter, it is the branches adorned with bright red scales that will stand out when little colour is present in the garden.

Cultivation of 'Mount Aso' Willow

Cultivating this willow is very simple. It is very hardy and enjoys a sunny position. As for the soil: it doesn’t matter as long as it remains moist. Don’t hesitate to provide good mulching to keep moisture at its base.

It can be planted in a slightly wild free hedge, in small groups, or as a specimen alongside some spring bulbs (crocuses, daffodils, Galanthus…).

In our area, it will hardly exceed 3 m in height. In any case, it can easily be pruned to maintain a reasonable size, but especially to encourage the production of very red and floriferous young shoots. This willow should be pruned after flowering at the end of February to early March.

→ A little tip: you can cut a few shoots with buds to place in a vase indoors. They will then flower and can brighten up your living room or dining room.