Scarlet Curls Willow Tree

Salix matsudana x S. alba 'Scarlet Curls'

$34⁹⁹

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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From	To	S&H
$0	$19.99	$24.99
$20	$49.99	$29.99
$50	$69.99	$34.99
$70	$99.99	$39.99
$100	$129.99	$44.99
$130	$149.99	$48.99
$150	$150+	Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

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 Highlights

Scarlet Curls Willow Tree highlights at a glance!

Specifications

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Salix matsudana x S. alba 'Scarlet Curls'
Growing Zones

5-8
Mature Height

25 - 30 feet
Mature Spread

15 - 20 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Shade
Moisture

Moderate to High
Soil

Well-Drained
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

Yellow
Fall Color

Gold
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pruning Time

When Dormant
Bloom Period

Early Spring

Growing Zones 5-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Unique Ornamental Tree Perfect for Smaller Spaces

The incredibly contorted and curvy Scarlet Curls Willow Tree (Salix matsudana x S. alba 'Scarlet Curls') is a vigorous ornamental tree with an upright rounded habit! The beauty of a Willow is compounded by its golden brown wavy branches, twisted twigs, and even wavy-edged leaves!

Its twisted scarlet red stems spiral upwards making Scarlet Curls an ornamental, deciduous tree. It produces red, young wood, and as the branches age, the red changes to an eye-catching golden yellow. This fast-growing, small ornamental tree is terrific for the smaller landscape.

Providing amazing winter interest, the branches are just as excellent in cut flower arrangements as they are by themselves in vases or when dried. You will receive the most colorful effect of Scarlet Curls after the first frost when the scarlet becomes most intense!

Thriving throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 8, and can grow up to 25 - 30 feet tall and 15 - 20 feet wide but can be trimmed to any size you prefer or even kept your Scarlet Curls as a shrub form that is rounded and full!

Landscape Application:

This medium-sized tree is a form of the Corkscrew Willow Tree and can be used as a specimen, beside a pond or stream, or at the back of the property. A pretty picture on its own all year round, the contorted stems attract attention from near and far!

Perfect as a backdrop for a cutting garden, the branches of this variety are often used by florists in expensive flower arrangements. Cut your own softwood in spring and new growth in the early morning. Wrap the ends in a wet towel to keep moisture levels high.

Keep these trees in a shorter shrub form with the branches kept to the ground. Fantastic screening and property division, you will love the twisting branches adding their quirky nature to mixed shrub borders and mixed tree lines where they stand out in the winter the most!

Red New Growth Ages Golden Yellow
Curly, Contorted Form
Golden Yellow Fall Color
Dramatic Winter Interest
Fast-Growing Deciduous Trees
Smaller Landscape Tree, Specimen & Landscape Accent

#ProPlantTips for Care

Willow trees prefer full sun, do best if they receive at least six hours of full sunlight, and prefer moist, average soil. Because this willow tree adapts easily to any soil type, soil pH testing and amending are not necessary! Willow thrives in moist soil to average soil, however, once your plants are established, they will tolerate drier well-drained soils as long as they have a bit more shade and a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the root system.

Scarlet Curls Willow has roots that can be invasive and head directly toward any water source. Plant yours at least 10 feet from a septic tank, water source, foundation, or paved area. Prune in late winter to keep your tree tidier and remove dead branching.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Adaptable To Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune In Late Winter
Very Fast & Easy To Grow

Time to blush at the curls of the Scarlet Curls Willow Tree! Mid-sized and curvy, these are sure to put a new twist on your landscaping! Now at Nature Hills!

rapid grower

i planted this bare root two foot dead looking twig in may 2013. it grew so rapidly. i planted it in an area that holds alot of water so i hoped it would soak it up and it surely does. it grew nicely that year. the 2nd year it grew to a full blown tree and i had to cut it back. the 3rd year it just kept getting bigger and i cut it back again. now my 4th year i cant even reach the top but i still cut the lower branches so i can mow under it. it has grown so rapidly over the years. ive never had a tree like this. i would highly recommend this tree.

Hello dot,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Scarlet Curls Willow Tree! We’re delighted to hear how quickly it has grown and how well it’s been thriving in that water-holding spot. It sounds like you’ve really witnessed the dynamic nature of this tree firsthand! Your approach to pruning both the top and lower branches is smart for managing its size while keeping your lawn accessible.

If you ever want tips on shaping this vigorous grower or managing its growth balance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Regular pruning, especially in late winter, can help maintain the size and frame while encouraging healthy new growth. Also, because it thrives in wet conditions, monitoring soil moisture can support its vitality without risks of overly saturated roots.

We truly appreciate your high recommendation—it means so much coming from someone with firsthand knowledge. Thanks again for planting with us and being part of the Nature Hills community!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

rapid grower

Hi Dot,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Scarlet Curls Willow Tree! It’s truly rewarding to hear how a tiny 'dead looking twig' has turned into such a thriving and rapidly growing tree over the years. Your observations about its water-soaking abilities are spot on—these willows love moist ground, making them fantastic for areas with excess water, just as you intended.

It sounds like you’ve perfected your pruning routine to manage its size while keeping the undergrowth clear for mowing—that’s impressive! For future pruning, aim to trim during late winter or early spring before new growth starts; this encourages healthy branching while keeping the size manageable. Also, occasionally checking the soil around the roots for stability and replenishing mulch can support its ongoing vigor.

We really appreciate your enthusiastic recommendation—it means a lot to us and helps others find the right match for their landscape needs. If you ever want to explore companion plants that thrive well alongside willows or need any tips on tree care, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Fall color

Lots to like with this scarlet curls willow tree. Not very big but the fall color is big and bold.

Dear Ted,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Scarlet Curls Willow tree! We're delighted to hear that the vibrant fall color has made such a bold impression. These trees are indeed wonderful for adding seasonal drama while fitting nicely into smaller garden spaces.

If you’re looking to bring out the best vibrant foliage year after year, ensure your willow is getting plenty of sunlight and consistently moist, well-drained soil. You might also try applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer each spring to support healthy growth.

Feel free to reach out if you want tips on companion planting or other eye-catching fall color options to complement your Scarlet Curls.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Fall color

Lots to like with this scarlet curls willow tree. Not very big but the fall color is big and bold.

Hi Ted,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about your Scarlet Curls Willow tree! We’re delighted to hear that the bold and vibrant fall colors have made such a big impression, even if the tree itself isn’t very large. Scarlets truly bring a wonderful splash of seasonal beauty to any garden.

If you’re looking to maximize its fall display, make sure your tree gets plenty of sunlight and consistent moisture—these conditions often help intensify those gorgeous hues. Also, consider mulching around the base to help retain soil moisture while keeping roots protected from temperature fluctuations. If you ever have questions about pruning or care for this unique willow, we’re here to help.

Thanks again for your lovely feedback, and may your Scarlet Curls continue to light up your landscape playfully each autumn!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Scarlet Curls Willow

I planted this curly willow in my front yard about five years ago from a cutting. It is beautiful, though I was told the tree dies after about ten years. At that time take another cutting and start over again. The roots will gravitate toward water so beware where you plant it. It has reached it's full height so is pretty fast growing. I love the tree and will be sad if its true that it is halfway through it's life.

Dear Eva Marie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Scarlet Curls Willow! It’s wonderful to hear it has thrived in your front yard and brought you so much joy over the last five years. You’re absolutely right to keep an eye on root placement since curly willows do tend to grow roots toward water sources, so an expendable planting spot is important to avoid any pipe or foundation damage.

Regarding the lifespan concerns, many curly willows do have a natural lifespan around 10 to 15 years, especially for cultivars like Scarlet Curls. Starting a new tree from cuttings, as you mentioned, is a smart approach to keep your home rich with their distinctive beauty without interruption. To help give your current willow a strong, healthy full lifespan, be sure to water it deeply during dry out periods, prune judiciously to reduce stress on the tree, and keep an eye on signs of disease or pests. If you’d find it helpful, we have some detailed care guides on weeping and curly willows to support all your future gardening steps.

Thank you for trusting Nature Hills with your plants, and we look forward to supporting you with your current tree — and all the Scotts Mansfield wonderful trees to come!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

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Scarlet Curls Willow Tree

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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

Standard Shipping Rates