Willows are winter-hardy shrubs, and depending on the cultivar, they can live in zones 2 through 9. Young plants are more susceptible to ice and snow damage. Additional winter care is generally unnecessary for Willows, but in some instances, it can help the plant where it is borderline hardy.
Protecting Willow Winter in Winter
Spread a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the Willow in the fall to retain moisture. Young Willow plants may need extra winter care, especially if planted late in the growing season. If grown in a wind-swept area, a plant with little time to acclimate may need to be wrapped for the first season. Plants grown in the lower range of their growing zones may also benefit from winter protection, especially if a harsh winter is predicted. Established Willow plants seldom need winter protection.
Cutting Back Willow Winter For Winter
Willows are dormant in the winter, so avoid pruning them late in the growing season so all growth can harden off before cold temperatures arrive. Dead or damaged growth can be removed at any time, but pruning to shape the shrub and promote new growth should happen in late winter before the plant begins active growth. Many Willow cultivars have colorful bark during the winter, so hold off on pruning to enjoy the vibrant bark in the bare winter landscape.
Willow Winter Winter Care in Pots
Winter care for potted Willow involves moving the container to a protected area. The above-ground growth can handle cold temperatures, but freezing weather can damage the roots, depending on the cultivar. Potted Willows grown in areas with mild winter weather will be fine outdoors. Borderline hardy cultivars will need to be moved to a protected area, like a shed or garage. You can dig a hole in a garden bed and place the container in the hole. The ground will insulate the roots from cold temperatures, and the entire pot can be removed from the ground in the spring.
Watering Willow Winter in Winter
Water Willows deeply in the fall before the weather turns chilly. Saturate the soil, but avoid keeping the plant in standing water. Hydrating the shrub before winter will protect the roots from freeze-thaw cycles. Willow plants, either in a landscape or container, do not need water during the winter unless precipitation is scarce.
Growing Willow Winter Indoors
Willow shrubs are deciduous, so they drop their foliage and are dormant during the winter. Most Willows are extremely cold hardy and do not need to be grown indoors during the winter. For borderline hardy varieties, bring the plant indoors in the fall once the leaves drop. Keep the Willow indoors until temperatures warm in the spring.
Steps To Care For Willow Winter in Winter
Willow winter care is generally minimal. Spread mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from cold temperatures and retain moisture. Deeply water in the fall to hydrate the plant before the first freeze. Young shrubs planted in the fall may need additional care, such as being wrapped in landscape fabric.
Step 1 - Deeply water the shrub in late fall to saturate the root system and prepare it for winter.
Step 2 - Spread a thick layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and insulate against chilly temperatures.
Step 3 - Move potted plants to a protected area.
Step 4 - Wrap young shrubs in fabric to protect against gusting winds and foraging animals.