As the winter landscape settles across Canada, many gardeners gaze out their windows at a seemingly dormant outdoor space. However, according to renowned gardening expert Brian Minter, one plant family offers a constant source of beauty and interest even in the dreariest months: the willow.
Winter Charm in Twisted Branches
In a column published on December 27, 2025, Minter shares his personal enjoyment of corkscrew willows, known botanically as Salix Tortuosa. He describes how their uniquely contorted branches create magnificent silhouettes on sunny days. For evening drama, he recommends illuminating them with mini LED lights, transforming them into magical features during the long, dark nights.
These plants are not just a winter spectacle. Minter notes they provide welcome shade and screening in summer. Furthermore, they serve as a perch for birds and hummingbirds, which rest on the branches between visits to nearby pollinator-friendly flowers.
Remarkably Hardy and Low Maintenance
A key advantage for Canadian gardeners is the willow's resilience. Salix trees are hardy to zone 3, meaning they can withstand the country's most severe winter cold with minimal protection. Their care routine is simple: a daily drink of water and some slow-release fertilizer during the growing season keep them thriving.
While some willow varieties can soar to 32 feet (10 metres) in a garden setting, requiring regular pruning, Minter points out they are well-behaved in containers. This makes them an excellent option for patios, decks, and smaller spaces. The critical container care tip is to never let the soil dry out completely.
Vibrant Stems and Early Blooms
Beyond the classic green stems, Minter suggests gardeners seek out varieties with bright yellow or scarlet stems for an even more dramatic winter display. The seasonal interest begins early in the new year.
He reports that at flower auctions, like the one in Burnaby, the earliest blooming pussy willows (Salix discolor) are already being sold as cut stems. Local growers produce a sequence of varieties that can be harvested from January until early March.
These fuzzy catkin stems are highly sought after. They pair beautifully with early spring flowers like daffodils and tulips in arrangements. Many people also use them as long-lasting dried decor, with stems remaining attractive for over a year. Minter recalls seeing unique varieties, like willows with black catkins, causing a sensation at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle.
Perhaps most importantly, these early catkins are a vital source of food for pollinators emerging in early spring, adding ecological value to their visual appeal.
For Canadians looking to inject life, texture, and whimsy into their winter gardens, Brian Minter makes a compelling case for the humble, yet extraordinary, willow.
