The dappled willow, also known as the tri-color or variegated willow, is a popular ornamental shrub grown for its beautiful pink, white and green foliage With its multi-colored leaves emerging in springtime, the dappled willow adds a pop of color to the garden
Proper pruning is key to keeping your dappled willow looking its best Pruning encourages the shrub to produce abundant young shoots, restoring the pink and white variegation that tends to fade as summer approaches When and how you prune makes all the difference.
Why Prune a Dappled Willow?
Pruning serves several important purposes
- Promotes dense, bushy new growth that exhibits the brightest leaf colors
- Removes older, leggy branches
- Controls size and shape
- Rejuvenates aging shrubs
Without pruning, dappled willows can become overgrown and unattractive. Their foliage loses its colorful appeal. Regular pruning keeps the plant shapely and decorative.
When is the Best Time to Prune for Optimal Results?
Timing is everything when it comes to pruning dappled willows. To encourage optimal leaf color and plant health, prune in late winter or very early spring.
The ideal time is right before the shrub leafs out and enters its active growing period. In most climates, late February to early March is perfect.
Pruning in fall or midwinter is not recommended, as it can stimulate tender new growth that may get damaged by harsh weather.
Signs that it’s Time to Prune:
- Catkins appear on branches
- Buds begin to swell
- Daytime temperatures reach above freezing
How to Prune a Dappled Willow
Pruning a dappled willow is simple:
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Start by removing all dead, damaged or crossing branches. Clear out congested areas to open up the shrub’s interior to light and air circulation.
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Shorten remaining branches by 1/3 their length. Make cuts just above an outward facing bud or side shoot.
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Shape and contain size as needed. You can prune quite heavily, removing up to one-third of the total branches. The willow will readily re-sprout.
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Clean tools with isopropyl alcohol when finished. This prevents disease transmission.
That’s all there is to basic pruning. Resist the urge to shear the top into a ball shape, as this removes the colorful stems. Make selective cuts instead.
Should You Do Additional Summer Pruning?
For added color, some gardeners do a second pruning in mid-summer (July or early August). This stimulates a new flush of bright pink and white growth.
Simply shorten all branches by about 6 inches above a leaf node. The willow will quickly generate fresh shoot tips with renewed variegation. It energizes the plant for a final show of color before fall.
This second pruning is optional. The trade-off is a brief burst of color followed by more tangled re-growth to prune out next spring.
How to Prune a Tree Form Dappled Willow
Dappled willows are sometimes grafted onto a standard rootstock to create a “tree” form. Although visually different, pruning needs are the same:
- Prune in late winter, removing up to one-third of branches
- Make additional corrective pruning during summer if needed
- Eliminate any suckers that sprout from the rootstock area
- Avoid topping off the central leader, as this damages the graft union. Instead, selectively thin and shorten side branches.
Using the Right Pruning Tools
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Hand pruners are ideal for smaller stems up to half inch in diameter. Larger branches will require loppers or pruning saw.
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Bypass pruners make clean cuts that heal quickly.
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Sterilize tools before and after use with isopropyl alcohol.
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Keep blades sharp for easiest cutting and healthiest plants.
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Avoid wounding the plant by crushing stems instead of cutting them. Ragged tears invite pests and diseases. Make cuts just outside healthy buds.
Follow Proper Pruning Techniques
Always:
- Cut back to just above an outward facing bud or side shoot
- Angle cuts slightly downwards to prevent water pooling on cut tips
- Space cuts evenly down the branch; don’t remove all growth at the same point
- Never leave branch stubs; shorten to an intersecting bud or shoot
- Disinfect tools before moving between plants
Following some simple rules helps protect plant health when pruning. Make proper cuts in the right places at the right time.
Dispose of Pruned Stems Properly
Never compost diseased wood, as this can spread problems. Healthy stems can go into the compost pile or chop into smaller pieces first. Or simply dispose of pruned branches through municipal yard waste collection. Just don’t leave them as a tripping hazard on the lawn!
The Benefits of Regular Pruning
- Renewed flower and leaf color
- Denser foliage
- Aesthetically pleasing compact shape
- Removes aging, damaged areas
- Allows light and air to interior
- Rejuvenates overgrown shrubs
- Keeps size manageable
Pruning is a bit of work that pays off handsomely. A well-groomed dappled willow graces your landscape with brightly-colored, shapely appeal. Time your pruning correctly, and you’ll enjoy this unique ornamental shrub for years of beauty.
In Summary
The dappled willow is a fast growing ornamental shrub that needs regular pruning to maintain its best form. For optimal leaf color and plant health, prune in very early spring before growth starts. Remove up to one-third of branches, thinning and shortening remaining stems. An optional second pruning in midsummer will produce a new flush of variegated foliage. Follow proper technique and always sterilize tools between plants. With proper pruning care, your dappled willow will provide seasons of decorative color.
StepsPart
- 1 Prune for rejuvenation in early winter. You can prune a dappled willow as early as the beginning of winter, when the plant has gone dormant. You can prune it once the weather has turned cold for good in your area.[1]
- You may be able to prune it as early as late November.
- 2 Prune before mid- to late spring. You can wait to thin or cut back branches to the end of winter, but dont go past early spring. You want to do this type of pruning before new growth begins.[2] Advertisement
- 3 Trim the shape in late summer. If you are just trimming the top of the plant and not removing more than 10 percent of the tree, you can trim in late summer. Its a good time because new growth is over and you can get a good idea of how much growth the plant has had when the leaves are still on it.
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Reader Success Stories
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Mark Bless “I purchased a couple of raggedy end-of-season dappled willows about four years ago and nursed them into healthy vigorous plants, but in letting them grow I was unsure of the best pruning methods and/or times. This article clarified my concerns. Thanks!”…” more
Pruning Dappled Willow in Four Easy Steps (Salix Hakuro Nishiki)
FAQ
What time of year do you trim a willow tree?
Willow tree pruning, like with most trees, is best done in the winter. From early to late winter, there is no new growth and no foliage to contend with on the branches and small twigs. This makes it easy to see where to cut and you can prune willows without worry.
How to winterize dappled willows?
- ❄️ Protect dappled willow from frost using burlap or frost cloths for winter health.
- ️ Position plants in sheltered areas to minimize harsh wind exposure during winter.
- Water every 4-6 weeks in winter; check soil moisture to prevent stress.
Can you keep a dappled willow shrub small?
It’s easily maintained at smaller sizes if pruned on a regular schedule. Cut back hard in early spring (or when needed) to force more colorful new growth. This beautiful plant is available in both tree and shrub forms. You can find our Dappled Willow Tree, also known as a Tri-Color Willow tree, here!
How do you prune a dappled willow tree?
To prune a dappled willow tree, start with the inner branches and work your way outward. Use a saw or pruning shears to remove any major branches. After pruning, trim any remaining branches and remove any dead or diseased foliage.
When should dappled willow trees be pruned?
Pruning plays a crucial role in maintaining the health, shape, and overall aesthetic appeal of dappled willow trees. To ensure optimal results, it’s recommended to prune these ornamental shrubs during late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth.
Should I cut back dappled willow?
In fact, cutting back dappled willow almost always makes them more attractive. That’s because all new shoots grow in with lovely pink-tinged foliage. When should I prune dappled willow? Pruning should be done while dormant, in either early winter or VERY early spring before catkins appear and any growth begins.