Salix koriyanagi ‘Rubykins’
kori = an ancient Korean Dynasty yanagi = willow
Rubykins Willow
This species is native to Korea and is widely seen in Japanese and Chinese gardens, also in fine basket making. Similar in size and shape to Salix purpurea, but has green leaves in pairs or in a whorl of three, whereas purpureas have blue-gray leaves in opposite pairs. Normally it grows up to 12ft tall and about half as wide. This vigorous red-flowered male selection was made by Bill Wandell of Illinois and is easy to grow and enjoy. Like most willows it’s best to coppice this variety every 1-3 years. In the wild the species grows in sandy/gravelly soil, but ‘Rubykins’ is equally happy in our heavy clay-loam.
Hardy to Zone 4 (3?) Dried rod color: light green
USES: Great for late-winter bouquets. The long thin rods can also be used for fine basket making and elegant living structures.
‘Rubykins’ makes long thin pliable rods for living structures and fine baskets.
Masses of red pussies appear late winter and make elegant cut flowers.
A group of our original plants in the nursery.
below: the same group covered with catkins
‘Rubykins’ paired pussies are pink, perky, profuse and pretty!
below: The same group of ‘Rubykins’ in the nursery showing long straight growth a blowin’ in the wind.
‘Rubykins’ makes a very handsome bouquet.
Green stems, leaves arranged in pairs or threes. Bright green on top with pale midrib, underside waxy blue-green.
Undersides flashing in the wind! Such a treat!
Below: This photograph and the one to the right were taken on November 5th, 2016.
The foliage is still as green as it was in May! The best willow foliage of any species!
Look at the willows behind, turning yellow and falling off!
WillowWorld
of Michael Dodge