Golden Curls Curly Willow

Salix x 'Golden Curls'

Nature Hills Nursery

Twisted Bronze Branches Deliver Year-Round Sculptural Interest in Your Curly Willow Garden
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 20-30 ft Tall, 15-20 ft Wide
Showy White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds

$40⁷⁹

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Tree Size

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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 Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Thornless, Heat Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Attracts pollinators, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	20-30 ft
Width	15-20 ft
Watering Needs	High
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Willow
Botanical Name	Salix x 'Golden Curls'
Species	x
Cultivar	Golden Curls
Class	Fagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Plant a grand garden statement with the expressive branches and foliage of large-scale Golden Curls Curly Willow (Salix matsudana 'Golden Curls'). Contorted, twisting bronze branches create a marvelous impression that you'll never forget!

Golden Curls Willow is a desirable landscape tree that was awarded the esteemed Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. It's easy to achieve a poetic presentation with their downturned, curling limbs covered in unique leaves that are long, slender and curled.

Planting and Application:

Fast-growing trees with four seasons of interest are extremely valuable...especially if they tolerate periodically wet soils. Golden Curls develops gracefully weeping new growth that matures into an attractive, rounded oval

Plant one in a low-lying area to create a Rain Garden to filter potentially polluted water runoff. Add NatureHills.com Spring Rain Garden Pocket Garden and Summer Rain Garden Pocket Garden for flowering native perennials for "pops" of color and texture.
What Cutting Garden would be complete without stems of curly willow? Grow your own supply to weave them into arrangements through the year.
Capture their fanciful reflection with a pond-side planting. Give them plenty of room to reach their mature height and spread and place seating under their fantastic canopy.
Even gardeners with smaller spaces can grow Golden Curls Curly Willow. Simply keep them smaller with pruning to ground level every three years for a dynamic screening shrub.
Turn a landscape challenge into a rewarding haven! Butterflies, pollinators and birds love their spring catkins and sheltering canopy; but deer tend to leave this cultivar alone.

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Ensure Golden Curls Curly Willow receives an even schedule of moisture. Mulch is recommended after planting to keep the root zone cool and moist...just be sure to pull it back away from directly touching the trunk.

You'll be pleased with the Nature Hills Root Booster added to the planting hole. After all, this symbiotic formula provides a life-long support of the tiny feeder roots without "wearing out".
Water your new tree well before planting, and plan to drench the planting hole afterward planting to eliminate air pockets. Get expert planting tips from the NatureHills.com Horticulture Team.
Renew a larger tree by simply removing a few of the longest, largest limbs periodically to encourage young, colorful growth. Prune to the ground for size control every three years to maintain as a shrub.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Golden Curls Curly Willow suitable for?

Golden Curls Curly Willow thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. This adaptable cultivar handles both cold winters and moderate heat well. Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment in your zone.

How big does Golden Curls Curly Willow get at maturity?

Golden Curls Curly Willow develops into an attractive, rounded oval shape at maturity. This fast-growing tree needs plenty of room to reach its full height and spread. For smaller spaces, prune to ground level every three years to maintain it as a screening shrub.

Does Golden Curls Curly Willow tolerate wet or poorly drained soil?

Golden Curls Curly Willow thrives in wet soils and tolerates periodically waterlogged conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for low-lying areas or rain gardens where other trees might struggle. Plant it in poorly drained spots to turn problem areas into beautiful landscape features.

What are the basic care requirements for Golden Curls Curly Willow, like sun and watering?

Golden Curls Curly Willow thrives in full sun to partial shade with consistently moist soil. This fast-growing tree tolerates wet conditions and even periodic flooding. Water regularly and apply mulch around the base, keeping it pulled back from the trunk.

How do I prune Golden Curls Curly Willow to keep it as a shrub or screen?

Prune Golden Curls Curly Willow to ground level every three years to maintain it as a screening shrub. This aggressive pruning keeps the fast-growing willow compact while preserving its unique twisted branching character. Time this renewal pruning for late winter before new growth begins.

Is Golden Curls Curly Willow deer resistant?

Golden Curls Curly Willow is generally deer resistant, as deer tend to leave this cultivar alone. The contorted branches and unique curled foliage aren't typically appealing to browsing deer. Plant it confidently in areas where deer pressure is a concern.

What shipping options do you have for Golden Curls Curly Willow trees, and how are they packaged?

Golden Curls Curly Willow ships bare root in spring or potted during the growing season, depending on size and availability. Trees are carefully packaged to protect the delicate curled branches during transit. Check your specific zone timing for optimal planting windows.

When is the best time to plant Golden Curls Curly Willow after shipping?

Plant Golden Curls Curly Willow in early spring or fall for best establishment. These fast-growing willows adapt quickly when planted during cooler months with consistent moisture. Plant immediately after shipping and maintain even watering schedule.

Does Golden Curls Curly Willow drop a lot of branches or mess, and how to handle cleanup?

Golden Curls Curly Willow naturally drops some twigs and catkins, especially after storms or pruning seasons. The twisted branches are actually prized for cut flower arrangements, so collect fallen stems for indoor use. Regular cleanup in spring and fall keeps the area tidy.

Golden Curls Curly Willow

Salix x 'Golden Curls'