Flame Willow

Flame Willow is a fast-growing deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant orange-red stems, which become especially colorful after the leaves drop in fall. Its narrow green foliage provides a soft texture through spring and summer before developing yellow tones in autumn.

Once the plant is bare, its upright, slightly twisting branches create a fiery winter display that stands out beautifully against evergreens, ornamental grasses, and the muted colors of the dormant landscape. The strongest stem color usually appears on younger growth, while older branches may gradually become duller.

Flame Willow works well as a specimen shrub, informal hedge, privacy screen, rain-garden plant, or colorful addition near ponds and other moist areas. It can also be planted in mass groupings where its winter stems create a bold seasonal display. Give it enough room to spread, since willows can grow quickly under favorable conditions.

Plant Flame Willow in full sun to part shade with consistently moist soil. Full sun usually produces the brightest winter stem color. It performs especially well in damp areas, but the soil should still drain well enough to prevent long periods of stagnant water.

Water regularly during the first growing season while the roots become established. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch can help conserve moisture and limit weeds, but keep the mulch several inches away from the base of the stems.

To encourage fresh, brightly colored branches, remove some of the oldest stems in late winter or early spring. Cut those older stems close to the ground while leaving healthy younger growth in place. More extensive coppicing can also be used when a shorter, denser shrub with maximum winter stem color is desired. Our guide to pruning flowering shrubs offers additional help with seasonal pruning decisions.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to willows with colorful winter stems explains that moist soil, sunny conditions, and hard spring pruning can help produce the strongest stem color.

With dependable moisture, proper spacing, and occasional renewal pruning, Flame Willow can provide attractive foliage during the growing season and brilliant orange-red stems throughout winter.