Rubykins Korean Willow is a compact, slow-growing deciduous shrub that transforms early spring gardens with brilliant red catkins no larger than half an inch long. Hardy in zones 5 through 7, this cultivar reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, making it small enough for intimate garden spaces yet commanding enough to serve as a focal point. The narrow, bluish-green leaves stay attractive throughout the growing season, then give way to striking yellow branches that glow against winter skies. Deer won't browse it, and it thrives in the consistently moist soils that many gardeners struggle with, including wet sites and rain gardens where other shrubs falter.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-7
72in H x 72in W
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High
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Rubykins brings early color when gardens need it most: those bright red catkins emerge in March and April before most other spring bloomers. The contrast between ruby flowers and silvery foliage happens at a compact scale, perfect for gardens where a full-size willow would overwhelm the space. Its tolerance for wet soils and erosion control abilities make it as practical as it is beautiful, while yellow winter branches extend the show long after the catkins fade.
This shrub willow excels as a rain garden specimen, where its ability to handle wet, poorly drained soil transforms a drainage problem into a garden feature. The showy catkins are excellent for cutting and bringing indoors to force color in late winter and early spring. Its compact upright habit and moderate size suit it to foundation plantings, mixed borders, and small residential landscapes where typical large willows would be impractical.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune out older stems at the base in late winter or early spring to maintain the shrub's compact form and encourage vigorous new growth. Regular light pruning keeps Rubykins looking neat without stressing the plant, and opening up the interior improves air circulation to reduce disease pressure from powdery mildew and other fungal problems common to willows.
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