Few ornamental trees deliver the year-round drama of a Scarlet Curls Willow. In summer, the twisted green foliage dances on contorted branches; after the first frost, the bark ignites into a brilliant scarlet that holds through winter, turning a quiet yard into a living sculpture. But getting one that actually delivers that vivid red color and vigorous corkscrew growth isn’t as simple as grabbing the first listing — the genus demands specific genetics, correct rootstock size, and proper planting conditions to thrive.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent hundreds of hours cross-referencing nursery catalogs, studying grower feedback on early survival rates, and comparing the distinct branching habits of different salix tortuosa cultivars to build a clear picture of what separates a standout specimen from a disappointment.
This guide breaks down the five most promising options, covering cutting size, root vigor, and winter hardiness so you can confidently choose the right one for your landscape. The honest, data-backed analysis below reveals the best scarlet curls willow for both beginners who just want a tree that lives and collectors chasing maximum winter color.
How To Choose The Best Scarlet Curls Willow
Selecting the right twisted willow involves more than picking the one with the best photo. Three variables — growth stage at ship, rootstock thickness, and hardiness zone range — define whether your tree establishes fast and colors up the way you expect.
Live Plant vs. Dormant Cutting
Live potted plants arrive with an established root system and visible branching, giving you immediate structure and a higher chance of first-season survival. Dormant hardwood cuttings cost less and ship as bare sticks, but they root readily in water or moist soil and often grow into equally vigorous trees by the second year — the trade-off is patience and a more careful initial watering routine.
Cutting Thickness and Rootstock Quality
Thicker cuttings — at least 5/8 inch in diameter — carry more stored energy and root faster. Slender, pencil-thin cuttings dry out quicker and have lower first-year survival, especially in hot climates. Look for cuttings described as “jumbo” or “thick root stock” if you want the highest success rate.
Winter Bark Color Potential
The iconic scarlet hue appears strongest on young wood after the tree experiences frost. Cultivar genetics matter here — “Scarlet Curls” and “Scarlet Tortuosa” selections are bred specifically for red bark. Trees grown in warmer zones (8 and above) may show less intense winter color. If maximum red is your goal, verify the cultivar name and your hardiness zone.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet Curls Corkscrew Willow | Live Plant | Immediate landscape tree | Quart pot, 2 lbs, known scarlet cultivar | Amazon |
| Scarlet Curly Willow Cuttings | Dormant Cuttings | Budget propagation project | 10 cuttings, dormant hardwood, scarlet bark | Amazon |
| Golden Curls Corkscrew Willow | Live Plant | Golden winter bark alternative | Quart pot, 1.3 lbs, golden cultivar | Amazon |
| Willow Tree Bundle (16 trees) | Mixed Cuttings | Mixed privacy & color hedge | 10 Aussie + 4 Weeping + 2 Corkscrew | Amazon |
| 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Cuttings | Dormant Cuttings | Large-scale privacy screen | 24 cuttings, 5/8″-1″+ thick, 10″ tall | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Scarlet Curls Corkscrew Weeping Willow – Live Plant – Quart Pot
New Life Nursery & Garden ships this as a live plant in a quart-sized nursery pot, meaning you receive an already-rooted specimen with visible branching — not a bare cutting that needs weeks to establish. Multiple verified buyers reported receiving trees up to four feet tall with three artfully arranged trunks and red-tinged curly leaves on arrival. The fast-growing nature, reaching 25-30 feet at maturity, makes it suitable for pond edges or wet spots where other trees struggle.
The scarlet bark color is the headline feature here, and the genetics are correct for delivering that intense red after the first frost. Buyers in zones 4-8 consistently described the winter coloration as striking. The tree tolerates both full sun and partial shade, and its preference for poorly drained soil means it thrives in spots with heavy clay or seasonal saturation that would kill a less adaptable ornamental.
One minor concern: the branching structure can look shrub-like during the first few years because the forks grow vertically close to the trunk. This is normal for the species and resolves as the tree matures. The included care instructions are basic, so first-time willow owners should research pruning techniques to shape the leader. Overall, this is the most reliable way to get a pre-established scarlet willow that colors up fast.
What works
- Live plant arrives rooted with visible branching and established root system
- Confirmed scarlet bark genetics intensify after frost
- Thrives in wet, poorly drained soil where other ornamentals fail
- Multiple buyers received larger-than-expected specimens (up to 4 ft)
What doesn’t
- Can appear shrub-like in the first year due to vertical branch forks
- Care instructions are minimal — beginner may need extra research
- May ship dormant Nov-April, arriving as a bare stick
2. Scarlet Curly Willow Cuttings to Plant – 10 Dormant Hardwood Starts
If you prefer a hands-on propagation experience and want multiple starts for the price of one potted tree, CZ Grain’s pack of 10 dormant hardwood cuttings delivers precise genetics of the scarlet curly willow without the premium of a live plant. The cuttings arrive as bare sticks wrapped in damp paper towel, and every verified reviewer reported successful rooting within two weeks when placed in water or moist soil. Several buyers noted receiving up to 20 cuttings per order, effectively doubling the count.
The critical advantage here is the cultivar specificity — these are selected for “brilliant scarlet branches” that intensify in fall and winter. Because willow cuttings clone the parent tree’s genetics, each cutting carries the same red bark trait. The instructions are simple and beginner-friendly: place the cut end in water, wait for roots, then transplant. Buyers in zones 4-9 have had success, though those in warmer zones (9-10) noted less intense winter red.
The arrival of “sticks” can be jarring if you expected a leafy plant. A few first-time grower expressed initial disappointment, but every single one followed up with positive updates after the cuttings leafed out. The only real downside is the time investment: you will wait a full growing season before seeing a significant branch structure. For anyone who enjoys the process of starting from scratch, this option offers the most bang for the buck.
What works
- True scarlet cultivar genetics for intense winter bark color
- Very high rooting success rate — all 5 verified reviewers reported growth
- Generous pack — buyers frequently received 2x the advertised count
- Simple instructions make this accessible for beginners
What doesn’t
- Arrives as bare sticks — not a leafy plant — can be shocking
- Requires patience: no visible branching for the first season
- Stored energy limited; thin cuttings need careful moisture monitoring
3. Golden Curls Corkscrew Weeping Willow – Live Plant – Quart Pot
For gardeners who prefer golden winter bark over scarlet, New Life Nursery & Garden’s Golden Curls offers the same corkscrew branching and vigorous 30-foot growth habit but with a warm yellow-gold tone that is equally striking against snow. This live plant ships in a fabric grow bag rather than a plastic pot, which reduces transplant shock because the roots are already air-pruned. Buyers tracking growth over three years reported the tree reaching over nine feet by the third season.
The winter interest is the primary draw here — the twisted golden branches create a sculptural silhouette that stands out in dormant landscapes. Like its scarlet cousin, this willow thrives in poorly drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for difficult wet areas. The hardiness zones (4-8) align with the standard Salix tortuosa range, and the tree tolerates heavy clay without issue.
One aspect that requires patience: the initial appearance can be disappointing if you receive a small cutting in the grow bag during dormant season. Several reviewers noted that the plant looked unimpressive at first but then grew rapidly once watered consistently. The fabric bag also means you should plan to transplant into the ground or a permanent pot within a few weeks of arrival. This is a premium choice specifically for collectors who want golden bark diversity in their willow collection.
What works
- Unique golden winter bark stands out against snow and gray landscapes
- Grows exceptionally fast — one buyer reported 9 ft in three years
- Fabric grow bag reduces root shock and encourages air-root pruning
- Handles full sun, partial shade, and poorly drained soil with ease
What doesn’t
- Not a scarlet bark — color is golden, not red
- Fabric bag requires prompt transplanting into ground or container
- First-time buyers may find the dormant appearance underwhelming
4. Willow Tree Bundle – 16 Fast Growing Trees (10 Aussie + 4 Weeping + 2 Corkscrew)
This bundle from CZ Grain is designed for landscape diversity rather than singular focus: you receive 10 fast-growing Australian hybrids for privacy screening, 4 classic weeping willows for that drooping elegance, and 2 corkscrew willows featuring the signature twisted branches. The cuttings arrive as dormant rootstock about 8 inches tall, and multiple buyers reported receiving extras — one count reached 23 total cuttings. The variety makes this ideal for establishing a multi-textured willow hedge in one order.
The two corkscrew willows included in the bundle carry the twisted branch genetics, but the bundle does not specify whether these are the scarlet or golden cultivar. If your primary goal is the vivid red winter bark, this bundle may disappoint because the corkscrew component could be a standard tortuosa without the intensified scarlet selection. The Australian hybrid willows, however, are exceptionally fast growers for privacy, often adding several feet per year in the right conditions.
Success rates among buyers were high for the Australian hybrids and corkscrew varieties, but the weeping willow cuttings had a mixed survival record with some buyers reporting rot before rooting. The bundle’s value lies in volume and variety rather than species-specific perfection. It is an excellent starter kit for a new property where you want immediate screening and a sampling of different willow forms, but dedicated scarlet willow seekers should look to the single-cultivar options.
What works
- Great value for volume — buyers frequently received extra cuttings
- Three distinct willow types for a varied landscape look
- Australian hybrids provide rapid privacy screening
- Seller responsive with replacements for any issues
What doesn’t
- Corkscrew variety may not be the scarlet cultivar — color genetics unconfirmed
- Weeping willow cuttings had inconsistent survival rates
- Not ideal if your sole goal is a red-barked specimen tree
5. 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings – Approx 10 Inches Tall, 5/8-1+ Inch Thick
This product exists for scale. CZ Grain’s jumbo pack contains 24 Austree hybrid willow cuttings, each measuring 10 inches long with a diameter of 5/8 to 1-plus inches — notably thicker than average. Thicker rootstock carries more stored energy, which translates to faster establishment and stronger first-year growth. Buyers reported receiving up to 132 total starts when ordering multiple packs, and the overall feedback indicates an early bloom within one week of planting in water or moist soil.
The Austree hybrid is not a scarlet curls willow — it is a Salix matsudana x alba cross bred for ultra-fast growth and dense privacy screening, not ornamental winter bark. The branches are straight rather than corkscrew twisted, and the bark remains standard gray-brown. This makes the jumbo pack a poor choice for anyone seeking the distinctive red contorted stems of a true scarlet curls willow. It is, however, the best option on this list for establishing a living fence, wind block, or erosion control along a property line.
One warning: a minority of buyers over two separate attempts experienced failure to root, with the cuttings sprouting shoots but then dying once transplanted to ground. The seller was responsive with replacement offers, but the inconsistency suggests that the jumbo size, while helpful, does not guarantee 100% survival. Keep the cuttings consistently moist during the first month and use a rooting compound for best results. This is a utilitarian product for functional landscaping, not ornamental specimen growing.
What works
- Thickest rootstock on this list (5/8-1+ inch) for rapid establishment
- Excellent for large-scale privacy screens and windbreaks
- Multiple buyers reported early growth within one week with extras included
- Seller provides replacement cuttings for any failures
What doesn’t
- Not a scarlet curls willow — no red bark or corkscrew branching
- Some batches failed to root or died after transplant
- Purely utilitarian — no ornamental specimen value
Hardware & Specs Guide
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
Every willow on this list is rated for USDA zones 4 through 8, with some extending to zone 9. This range covers most of the continental US, but growers in zones 9-10 should expect reduced winter bark intensity because the tree needs frost to trigger the scarlet pigmentation. If you are in zone 9 or warmer, verify the cultivar’s color performance before buying.
Cutting Diameter vs. Survival Rate
Dormant willow cuttings have a direct relationship between thickness and survival. Cuttings under 3/8 inch in diameter dry out fast and often fail to root unless kept constantly moist. Cuttings 5/8 inch or thicker (the jumbo range) root reliably in water within 7-14 days and establish faster in soil. For the highest first-year success, choose a jumbo pack or a pre-rooted live plant.
FAQ
How fast does a Scarlet Curls Willow grow?
Will the scarlet bark appear in my zone if I live in zone 9?
Can I grow Scarlet Curls Willow in a pot?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best scarlet curls willow winner is the New Life Nursery Scarlet Curls Corkscrew Willow because it arrives as a rooted live plant with confirmed scarlet cultivar genetics, eliminating the rooting risk and delivering visible red bark from the first winter. If you want to propagate multiple trees on a tight budget and enjoy the process of watching roots emerge, grab the CZ Grain Scarlet Curly Willow Cuttings. And for the collector who wants a unique winter silhouette in golden tones, nothing beats the Golden Curls Corkscrew Willow.