Dappled Willow

Salix integra (SAL-iks IN-teg-ruh)

Family: Salicaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Dappled Willow, or 'Hakuro Nishiki', is a dwarf cultivar of S. integra . It is a fast-growing flowering willow, deciduous shrub that reaches a mature height of 6 feet with a 7 foot spread, although it has been known to reach 10 feet high. New foliage emerges pink in spring, maturing to variegated shades of pink, creamy white and green. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves (to 4 inches long) are particularly attractive in spring to early summer but gradually fade to mostly green as summer progresses. The branches droop slightly at the tips and stems turn red (primarily the new growth stems in Zones 4-5) in fall providing excellent winter interest. All stems turn red in warm winter climates. The trunk does not turn red but remains gray. Dapplied Willow does best in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile soil. It prefers full sun with afternoon shade where the summers are hot. It tolerates wet soils and, unlike most willows, also tolerates drier soils. Lightly prune as needed in late winter to early spring. Pruning in late winter encourages vigorous growth as well as controlling size. You can obtain maximum foliage variegation if you prune the shrub back lightly every year. In general, the best foliage is found on shrubs planted in sites with cool summers. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to blights, crown gall, powdery mildew, leaf spots, scab, rust and cankers. Insect pests include aphids, scale, borers, lace bugs, beetles and caterpillars. More information on Salix .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 49 attributes.