WorryFree® Winter Torch Willow
Salix alba ‘Winter Torch’
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Wet Soils, Hedge/Screen, and Slopes/Erosion Control
Specifications
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Height
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Width
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Growing Zones
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Sunlight
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Growth RateModerate
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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Pollinator FriendlyYes
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, OR
Planting & Care Instructions
Planting & Care Instructions
Growing Zones 4-9
WorryFree® Winter Torch Willow – Vibrant Winter Color
Introducing the WorryFree® Winter Torch Willow (Salix alba 'Winter Torch')! A deciduous shrub renowned for its vibrant orange-red stems that illuminate the winter landscape. This fast-growing, versatile plant showcases lush green foliage during the summer months, transitioning to a brilliant display of color in the colder seasons.
Reaching a height and spread of 5 to 7 feet, the Winter Torch Willow boasts an upright, compact form. Its bright green, lanceolate leaves provide a fresh, verdant backdrop in spring and summer, while the stems' fiery hues offer striking visual interest in winter!
Key Features:
- Vibrant orange-red stems in winter!
- Fast-growing and versatile
- Upright, compact habit
- Ideal for naturalizing
- Great moisture-loving shrub
- Deer resistant
Landscaping Uses
The Winter Torch Willow is a versatile shrub, and its adaptability and resilience make it an excellent choice for borders, foundations, or groupings, injecting color and life into the landscape during the colder months. Reaching 5 to 7 feet in height and width, suitable for various landscaping applications:
- Borders and backdrops to garden beds
- Spring specimens when in bloom
- Groupings and hedgerows for privacy and wildlife protection
- Naturalizing, Rain Gardens, and stabilizing banks of streams, hillsides, and erosion control near water features
- Cutting gardens for pretty stems in bouquets, crafting, and décor
- Fast-growing hedges and screens
- Fantastic paired with evergreens and other colorful winter-interest shrubs like Red Osier and Yellow Twig Dogwood bushes
Care and Maintenance
Discovered by Nina Bassuk at Cornell University, this cultivar thrives in moist, even wet areas with full sun exposure. As a deciduous shrub, the Winter Torch Willow is known for its resilience and adaptability:
- Sun Needs: Full sun for optimal growth
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet areas
- Moisture Needs: High; prefers consistently moist conditions
- Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch to retain soil moisture
- Pruning Info: Prune in early spring; cutting stems nearly to ground level can yield bright regrowth that stands out best when cold weather sets in
- Renewal Pruning: Every 3-5 years, remove older stems to promote fresh growth
- Special Needs/Perks:
- Deer resistant
- Low maintenance
- Excellent for wet areas
A Fiery Addition to Your Winter Landscape
The WorryFree® Winter Torch Willow is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking to enliven their winter landscapes with vibrant color. Its adaptability, low maintenance, and striking appearance make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Order now at Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll deliver this fiery shrub to your doorstep, ready to transform your outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the growth rate of the Winter Torch Willow?
The Winter Torch Willow is a fast-growing shrub, quickly reaching its mature height of 5 to 7 feet.
Can the Winter Torch Willow tolerate wet soil conditions?
Yes, this cultivar thrives in moist, even wet areas, making it suitable for planting near water features or in areas with poor drainage.
When is the best time to prune the Winter Torch Willow?
Pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins. Cutting stems nearly to ground level can yield bright regrowth that stands out best when cold weather sets in.
Is the Winter Torch Willow deer resistant?
Yes, this shrub is known for its deer-resistant qualities, making it a reliable choice in areas where deer browsing is a concern.
What are the ideal growing conditions for the Winter Torch Willow?
This Willow prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including wet areas.
