The dappled willow tree scientifically known as Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ is a gorgeous ornamental plant cherished for its multicolored foliage and gracefully arching stems. This visually striking tree is a landscape showstopper, adding vibrant color and distinct form to gardens and outdoor spaces.
An Overview of Salix Integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’
Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ is a deciduous shrub that typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. It belongs to the willow family Salicaceae and originated in Japan and Korea.
The dappled willow is prized for its colorful, variegated leaves that emerge pink in spring then gradually turn shades of white, green, and pink as they mature. This ever-changing leaf display creates a mesmerizing dappled effect throughout the seasons. The new spring growth on stems and branches also boasts a bright pink hue, adding to the vibrant spectacle.
Beyond its kaleidoscopic foliage, the dappled willow is admired for its gracefully arching stems and branches that create a fluid, cascading form. The open airy shape and modest size make this willow ideal for gardens of all scales, from large landscapes to backyard cottage gardens It also thrives in containers
Growing Conditions for Dappled Willow Trees
To achieve optimal growth and the most vivid leaf colors, dappled willow trees require specific growing conditions:
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Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is especially beneficial.
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Soil: Moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 7. Avoid soggy, waterlogged soil.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Established trees tolerate some drought once rooted.
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Temperature: Thrives in zones 4 to 8. Can withstand cold winters and hot summers.
When provided with ample sunlight, properly drained soil, and adequate moisture, the dappled willow will thrive and produce maximum color in its sensational foliage.
How to Plant and Care for Dappled Willow Trees
Caring for a dappled willow mainly involves meeting its moisture, sunlight, and soil drainage needs. Here are some key tips:
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Plant in spring or fall to avoid summer heat stress. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
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Water deeply after planting and provide 1-2 inches of water per week during the first year. Water established trees during drought.
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Mulch around the tree to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Leave a gap near the trunk to prevent rot.
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Prune out dead or damaged stems in late winter. Remove branches that cross or rub to improve air flow.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites and diseases like anthracnose. Remove infected plant parts promptly.
With its modest care needs and resilience, the dappled willow makes a fantastic addition to gardens in a wide range of climates and landscapes.
The Stunning Foliage of the Dappled Willow Tree
One of the dappled willow’s biggest claims to fame is its spectacular, multi-colored foliage. The green, white, and pink variegated leaves create captivating combinations throughout the seasons.
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Spring: New leaves emerge a vivid bright pink before maturing to greenish-white. The pink spring growth on stems is also eye-catching.
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Summer: Leaves turn greenish-white with splashes of pale pink. The colorful contrast is most prominent in summer.
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Fall: In autumn, leaves fade to yellowish green before dropping. The stems maintain some pinkish tones.
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Winter: Bare stems provide great winter interest, especially when coated in snow or frost.
The ever-changing foliage provides multi-season interest. Spring and summer are the most vibrant seasons, but the dappled willow contributes color and texture throughout the year.
Stunning Form and Versatility
In addition to its spectacular foliage, the dappled willow tree wins fans for its cascading, weeping form and versatility.
This compact, mounding shrub reaches just 6 to 10 feet high and wide at maturity. Its gracefully arching branches create a fluid, swaying shape reminiscent of a weeping willow but on a smaller scale. The airy, open form provides dappled shade below.
The modest size and spreading habit make the dappled willow ideal for a diverse range of applications, including:
- Accent or focal point in beds and mixed borders
- Grouping in clusters for maximum color impact
- Specimen in Asian-style gardens or rock gardens
- Near ponds and water features
- Containers on patios and decks
- Topiary shapes like spheres and cones through pruning
With proper siting and care, gardeners across diverse regions and climate zones can enjoy the vibrant beauty of the dappled willow. It’s an exceptional choice for gardens seeking brilliant foliage color and fluid, cascading form.
Propagating Dappled Willow Trees
Dappled willow trees can be easily propagated from stem cuttings to create new plants. Here’s an overview of the process:
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Take 6-8 inch cuttings from healthy stems in early summer. Cut just below a leaf node.
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Remove leaves from the lower half of cutting. Dip cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
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Plant cutting 2 inches deep in potting mix, water well and cover with plastic to retain moisture.
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Keep cuttings warm (65-75°F) and moist until rooted, about 4-6 weeks.
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Gradually expose to sun and normal care once rooted. Transplant to garden after hardening off.
Propagating from cuttings is a simple, effective way to replicate this gorgeous plant. It allows you to make new dappled willow trees at little cost.
Common Pests and Diseases
Overall, dappled willow trees are quite hardy and not plagued by many serious pests or diseases. But here are some potential problems to watch for:
- Spider mites
- Caterpillars
- Powdery mildew
- Anthracnose – Usually caused by a fungus, causes leaf drop. Prune infected parts.
Keeping trees healthy with proper care is the best prevention. Promoting air circulation through pruning helps reduce disease risk. Be vigilant and take action quickly if pests or infections occur.
With its vibrantly variegated foliage, cascading form, resilience, and versatility, it’s easy to see why the dappled willow tree is so beloved. This eye-catching ornamental plant offers multi-season interest and adapts readily to diverse garden settings. For gardens seeking brilliant color and graceful shapes, the dappled willow is an exceptional choice. With the right care and siting, this gorgeous tree will provide many years of enjoyment.
More Items to Consider
- sunshade Sun
Mature Plant Size (H x W): 7-10 x 4-6 
Bloom Season: Spring
Key features
- Attracts Birds
- Winter Interest
- Rain Gardens
- Walnut Toxicity Resistant
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting Care chevron-up chevron-down
Salix ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ (Dappled Willow)//Spectacular⚡Color, Eye-Catching, Easy to Grow Shrub
FAQ
How big do Salix Integra Hakuro Nishiki get?
‘Hakuro-nishiki’ (synonymous with ‘Albo-maculata’), commonly called dappled Japanese willow or variegated willow, is a more compact cultivar that typically grows to 4-6′ tall (less frequently to 10′ tall) and features attractive variegated foliage throughout the growing season.
How do you care for Salix Integra Hakuro Nishiki?
Grow Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ in moist but well drained soil, in full sun or dappled shade. Standard trees grow well in a pot, as long as they are well watered. Prune in winter and lightly again in summer if desired.
Does Hakuro Nishiki like sun or shade?
Performs best in full sun to part shade , in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun, but welcomes some afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Best foliage color occurs in cool summer areas (north of USDA Zone 7).
Where is the best place to plant Salix?
Salix is a diverse genus of woody trees and shrubs found in a variety of habitats, from riverbanks and meadows to arctic shorelines and rocky slopes. They thrive in full sun or partial shade in average to moist, well-drained soil.