Winter Torch Willow (Salix alba 'Winter Torch') brings a lively glow to gardens with its fiery orange-red stems in cold months. This upright shrub, reaching about five to seven feet tall and wide, unfurls bright green foliage in spring that holds interest through summer. Once the leaves drop, the stems intensify in color, creating a brilliant show against winter landscapes. Ideal for adding structure to border plantings or bright focal points in drab seasons, it grows fast and tolerates average conditions, though it thrives in moist, sunny sites.
Winter Torch Willow is remarkably easy to establish and maintain. This selection is credited to Nina Bassuk of Cornell University, known for discovering robust ornamental shrubs. Deer typically avoid it, and the plant naturally resists common issues, making it a handy choice for less-protected spots. Use it to enliven foundations, mass plantings, or to anchor corners in yards, and watch as butterflies occasionally stop by its catkins in spring. With minimal fuss, you’ll enjoy both seasonal color shifts and a refreshing green presence the rest of the year.
Winter Torch Willow Care
Provide full sun for the best winter stem color and consistent growth. Winter Torch Willow adapts to many soils but prefers moisture-rich or even boggy ground—yet will tolerate average watering schedules. When first planted, water regularly to settle roots; then switch to a routine that keeps the soil moderately damp without waterlogging. Although fertilization isn’t strictly necessary, a balanced slow-release feed in spring can enhance growth, especially in poor soils. Plan for periodic checks to ensure well-draining conditions, as soggy roots can hinder health.
Prune Winter Torch Willow in early spring, focusing on thinning or rejuvenating cuts. For enhanced winter color, prune older stems back every couple of years to stimulate vigorous new shoots. Cutting stems nearly to ground level can yield bright regrowth that stands out best when cold weather sets in. Remove any broken or crossing branches at the same time to keep the shrub neat.
Winter Torch Willow Spacing
For hedge or mass planting designs, space Winter Torch Willow about three to four feet apart to encourage a visually continuous row. If planted individually as accents, allow around six feet between shrubs to accommodate their mature spread. Containers should be wide and deep enough to offer room for root expansion and water retention, ensuring a healthy and long-lived addition to patios or decks.
- SKU:
- 1231015477-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations