Salix purpurea 'Nana'

• Pollinators: The yellow-green catkins of 'Nana' attract bees, butterflies, and other early-season pollinators. These small flowers provide a critical nectar source in spring when few other plants are flowering.
  
  Birds: After the catkins have matured, the plant may produce small rose hips, which can attract birds looking for food in the fall and winter months. Additionally, the dense structure of 'Nana' offers shelter for small birds.

• Spring to Summer: 'Nana' begins blooming in early spring with its characteristic yellow-green catkins. These small, furry flowers are a hallmark of the willow species and attract early-season pollinators. As the growing season progresses, the silvery-green leaves appear, offering an attractive contrast to the purple-toned stems.
  
• Fall: The foliage transitions to soft yellow hues, providing a gentle, seasonal change before the leaves fall. The plant’s compact, weeping form makes it visually appealing throughout the fall.
  
• Winter: 'Nana' provides visual interest in winter with its striking purple stems. Even without leaves, the plant’s graceful form and vibrant stems add texture and structure to the winter landscape.
  
  

• Leaves: The leaves of 'Nana' are narrow, elongated, and silvery-green, offering a soft texture that contrasts with the vibrant purple stems. The leaves are smooth with a slightly velvety underside, giving them a silvery appearance that enhances the plant’s ornamental value.
  
• Fall Color: In the fall, the foliage shifts to soft yellow or golden hues before dropping, offering additional seasonal interest.
  
• Texture: The leaves have a soft, velvety texture that provides a beautiful backdrop to the plant's vibrant stems and delicate flowers.
  
  

• Flower Description: 'Nana' produces male and female catkins (pussy willows) in early spring. These yellow-green flowers are fuzzy and appear before the leaves, adding a soft, silvery appearance to the shrub. The catkins are an early nectar source for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
  
  Flower Longevity: The catkins last for a few weeks in early spring, after which the flowers mature into seeds. Although short-lived, the flowers are crucial for supporting early-season pollinators.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Nana' is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. Planting during these times allows the shrub to establish strong roots before the growing season or winter.

• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with moist, well-drained soil and full sun. 'Nana' thrives in moist environments, such as near ponds or in rain gardens. Dig a hole that is at least twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart to allow for their mature size and promote healthy air circulation.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Nana' in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood to promote healthy new growth. Lightly trim the plant to maintain its shape.
  
• Pruning Tips: Regularly deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Pruning after flowering will help the plant maintain a bushy, compact form and encourage a fresh flush of new growth.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Pruning can be done throughout the growing season to maintain its shape. However, avoid heavy pruning, as this can limit flowering. Light pruning will encourage denser growth and more flowers.

• Watering: 'Nana' requires regular watering and thrives in moist soil. It performs best in areas where the soil is consistently moist, such as near water features or in rain gardens. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist.
  
• Drought Tolerance: 'Nana' is not drought-tolerant and requires consistent moisture to thrive. During dry periods, it is important to ensure the plant receives sufficient water.
  
• Watering Tip: Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. If planting near water features, ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the plant.
  
  

• Light: 'Nana' grows best in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat and preserve the vibrancy of the leaves.
  
  Shade Tolerance: While it can tolerate some shade, 'Nana' will produce fewer flowers and grow less vigorously in low-light conditions.

While 'Nana' is primarily an ornamental plant, the willow branches can be harvested for use in floral arrangements, crafts, or as cuttings for propagation. The catkins can also be left to mature into rose hips, which serve as food for birds.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins. This will promote healthy new growth and vibrant foliage. For plants grown in containers, consider applying a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A well-balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will encourage overall plant health.

• 'Nana' is wind-pollinated and does not require another plant for pollination. However, planting it near other willows or pollinator-friendly plants can attract more pollinators to your garden, improving biodiversity.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair with perennials such as Hostas, Astilbe, or Lobelia for contrasting colors and textures.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other shrubs like Spiraea, Viburnum, or Weigela for a layered garden with various heights and forms.
  
  Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers such as Ajuga or Liriope will complement 'Nana' by adding texture beneath its compact form.