Rooting and Overwintering Pussy Willow Cuttings in the DC Area

I have about 15 pussy willow cuttings rooting in water (sentimental value—the original 30-year-old tree fell). It's getting cooler in the Washington DC area. Four cuttings I put outside two weeks ago now have black-tinged leaves. Should I pot the rest and keep them indoors until spring? I just want at least one healthy tree.

Overwintering Strategy

The black-tinged leaves are normal—it's the natural dormancy process as temperatures drop. For the outdoor cuttings: mulch heavily with 4-5 inches of leaves or bark once frost begins. For the rest: pot them in soil, place against the house foundation (protected from north winds), and let them go dormant outdoors. Deciduous plants need cold periods for proper growth cycles. Keeping them indoors at 60-65°F may work but often produces weak growth. Also, check the base of the original tree next spring—established pussy willows often resprout from the root crown. More roots on a cutting mean stronger establishment, so prioritize the best-rooted ones.