‘Pink Delight’

This male hybrid willow came to us from the generous folk at the Chicago Botanic Garden who received it from Czechoslovakia; in return I (Michael) gave CBG cuttings of willows they didn’t have. It looks like an enhanced version of the Rosemary Willow and is more vigorous; it has long narrow leaves and straight reddish brown stems. The ‘Americana’ parent provides the vigour plus the long straight red stems and reddish tips to the new growth. The abundant pink flower buds open in late April in Vermont and the anthers open in early May. The foliage is very attractive and has a reddish cast at first, as does ‘Americana’

• by Michael Dodge