Plantsman’s favourites

Plantswoman Fleur van Zonneveld selects the ten best plants for March

This early blooming pussy willow has exquisitely beautiful, red-purple catkins that over time fade to a silky pink. Once flowering has finished the shrub has attractive leaves that have a slight blue shine. It was selected by a Japanese cut flower grower and the cut branches retain their catkins for ages – even without water. It’s relatively easy to grow and is little troubled by disease, although the flowers are sterile, so you can’t grow it from seed. It flourishes best on young wood, so prune it firmly each year.

Height 2m. Origin China, Japan, Korea. Conditions Well-drained soil; full sun or part shade. Hardiness RHS H7, USDA 4b-8b†. Season Late winter to early spring.