Willow, Dappled #3
Willow, Dappled
Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'
Height: Typically 4–6 feet tall (when maintained as a shrub or grafted standard)
Spread: Approximately 4–6 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 5–6 feet apart for full coverage
Growth Rate: Fast
Deciduous
Ornamental tree
Description
Willow Dappled is a stunning ornamental known for its vibrant foliage and dynamic seasonal color. Its leaves emerge in a refreshing blend of pink, creamy white, and soft green, creating a beautiful, textured effect that looks like brushstrokes across each branch. As the season progresses, the colors shift toward pale green with white variegation, maintaining visual interest all season long. Often grown as a small tree or rounded shrub, it adds a polished, elegant splash of color to mixed borders, foundation plantings, or as a striking focal point. Its tidy size and quick growth make it one of the finest options for introducing movement, texture, and a fresh twist to the landscape.
General Care
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part sun
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish strong roots and encourage vibrant foliage; once established, water as needed during extended dry periods
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain size, shape, and encourage fresh, colorful growth
With its beautiful variegated foliage and satisfying form, Willow Dappled is a showstopper in the landscape, offering bold color, fast growth, and year-round interest in a compact, manageable size.
