Flame Willow

Flame Willow – Bright, Hardy, and Fast-Growing

Bring a vibrant burst of colour to your landscape with the Flame Willow, a striking variety that thrives in Zone 3 on the Canadian prairies. As their name suggests, Flame Willows are known for their fiery red-orange stems, which stand out beautifully in any season, especially against the stark winter prairie landscape.

Fast-growing and adaptable, Flame Willows can reach heights of up to 12 feet in just a few years. Their dense, upright form makes them ideal for windbreaks, shelterbelts, or as an eye-catching ornamental feature. While they thrive in moist soils, they are hardy enough to perform well in a variety of prairie conditions.

Coppicing these willows encourages vigorous regrowth, with rods reaching 2 meter (6-8 feet) in a single season. Their stems glow with orange-red hues year-round, turning a brilliant red in late October, providing exceptional winter interest. The rods dry to a shiny reddish-brown, making them a great choice for cut flower arrangements and basketry—though the stems, while beautifully coloured, can be somewhat brittle for weaving.

Whether you’re seeking a practical addition to your shelterbelt or a pop of year-round colour for your garden, the Flame Willow offers both beauty and resilience. Its rapid growth and ornamental appeal make it a favourite among prairie gardeners!

Growers Note:

Optimal planting distance for coppicing is 30 cm (12") between plants and 60 cm (24") between rows. Mulching and weed suppression are strongly advised for best results.

Hardiness Zone: 3

Height at Maturity: 4 meters (12 feet)

Spread: 3 meters (9 feet)

Soil Preference: Moist 

Light Exposure: Full sun

Latin Name: Salix 'Flame'