WorryFree® Winter Torch Willow

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.