Add Splashes of Color to Your Garden with the Dappled Willow

Overview:

Variegated plants are an excellent way to add interest and color to your garden. One excellent shrub choice is the dappled willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki'). This beauty features foliage that sports shades of green, white and pink.

Latin Name:

The scientific name assigned to this is Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki'. The part of the name in single quotes indicates that this is a cultivar.An alternate name for this plant is ‘Albomaculata’.

It is included with the other willow trees and shrubs in the Salicaceae family.

Common Names:

In addition to dappled willow, you may also find this named as the Nishiki willow, variegated willow or the Japanese dappled willow.

Preferred USDA Hardiness Zones:

Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' is suitable for growing in Zones 4-9. The species form of this cultivar is originally found in China, Japan, Korea and Siberia.

Size & Shape:

In general, this shrub will be around 4-6' tall and wide, forming into a rounded shape.

Exposure:

For best results, plant this in a location where it will receive full sun. It can survive in part shade, but the leaves may turn solid green instead of bearing the beautiful green, pink and white variegation.

Foliage/Flowers:

When new leaves appear, they are pink at first. Over time they shift to become variegated with green and cream. The flowers are a yellow catkin.

Design Tips:

This cultivar can be trained into a standard form, creating an attractive small tree.

Growing Tips:

The dappled willow is typical of the genus and loves to grow in soil that is moist or even wet.

Maintenance/Pruning:

You can prune this to keep it in check and create the best form. This can be done at the end of winter or start of spring.

Diseases: