Willow trees aren’t just for sprawling parks or riverbanks. You can actually grow young willows and dwarf varieties right in a container! However, if you’re going the potted route, you’ve got to take a few extra steps when the temperature drops. Without a little winter prep, that frost can be pretty tough on your plant.
How Winter-Hardy Are Willows?
Generally speaking, willows are pretty tough and can handle freezing temperatures. Most varieties are considered winter-hardy once they’re established. But here’s the catch: young plants need a bit of backup. They haven’t built up the same frost resistance as a full-grown tree yet. Potted willows, in particular, need some extra TLC.
Why? Because a pot doesn’t offer the same insulation for willow roots as the deep ground does. Cold air hits the sides of the pot and reaches those sensitive roots much faster. To keep your tree happy, you’ll want to get your winter gear ready before the first big freeze.
First, spread a layer of bark mulch over the soil surface. Next, wrap the outside of the pot in horticultural fleece or burlap. This creates a cozy layer of insulation to trap heat. When it comes to watering, only do it on days when the ground isn’t frozen so the water doesn’t turn into an ice block immediately. And remember: skip the fertilizer during the winter months!
Can I Bring My Willow Indoors?
You might be tempted to bring your willow into a cozy, warm room, but don’t do it! High indoor temperatures can mess with the willow’s natural growth cycle. In fact, keeping it too warm can actually make the tree more susceptible to fungal infections. If you want to move it, an unheated greenhouse or a “cold house” is a much better bet.
Wherever you put it, make sure the spot offers:
- Plenty of fresh air
- Lots of sunlight
- Cool (but not freezing) temperatures
By the way, if you’re looking to propagate your willow, winter is actually the perfect time. Between October and February, it’s super easy to take willow cuttings. You can plant these in a starter pot and keep them indoors to give them a head start on the growing season!
