Flame Willow

After the vibrant colors of spring and summer have been lost to winter, do you feel sad? If so, boost your mood with Flame Willow, a showy ornamental shrub featuring blazing blood-orange stems that add unique fiery color to otherwise dull winter landscapes from summer until late winter. Its forest green summer leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, adding multicolored interest to beds, borders, porches, decks, and patios year-round. Growing to a maximum height and spread of 10-15 feet, Flame Willow can be pruned to the height and shape you prefer. Also supporting the environment, this striking willow attracts bees and offers shelter to birds and small animals. Feel your spirits rise every time you look out your window to see Flame Willow’s snow-covered stems glowing brightly every winter.

Native to North America, this fast-growing shrub, also known as Salix x. 'Flame', is  multi-stemmed, ovate, and compact. This dense, deciduous ornamental is cold hardy in zones 4-7 and deer resistant. Drought tolerant, this adaptable plant can withstand periods of low moisture. It is a perfect option for landscapes and planted containers. 

Flame Willow Care

While Flame Willow tolerates partial shade to full sun, full sun will encourage brighter winter color. While this shrub is adaptable to many types of soil, it prefers moist and well-draining conditions. Avoid planting it near septic systems, however. During periods of low moisture, willow roots are commonly known to grow towards water. To discourage excessive root growth, ensure that this perennial gets about an inch of water per week.

The youngest stems produce the most vibrant color. Rejuvenate Flame Willow every spring by coppicing, or cutting back its branches. Doing so will also help to control its size, shape, and root growth.

Flame Willow Spacing

Flame Willow provides striking winter interest to landscapes and containers. Tolerating standing water, this shrub grows well near ponds and streams. Planted in groups, this ornamental shrub works well as a hedge/privacy screen. Space each plant 10 to 15 feet apart. Plant as a thriller in a container’s thriller-filler-spiller combination. Cut Flame Willow’s branches during winter and assemble with other greenery such as spruce fir, pine cones, and winterberries to create unique holiday bouquets.

Flame Willow Information