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Dappled Willow Shrub
Dappled Willow Shrub
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Hakuro-nishiki
Dappled Willow Shrub
The Dappled Willow Shrub is a stunning ornamental plant prized for its striking pink, white, and green variegated foliage. In early spring, new growth emerges with a pink blush that matures into creamy-white and soft green tones, giving the plant a watercolor-like appearance. Its graceful, arching branches add movement and texture to any landscape.
Compact, fast-growing, and easy to maintain, the Dappled Willow is a top choice for vibrant borders, eye-catching accents, and colorful hedges.
Dappled Willow Shrub Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Dappled Willow, Variegated Willow, Japanese Willow |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 4–6 feet (can be pruned smaller) |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 5–7 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (up to 24–36" per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 20–30 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 4–9 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 200–400 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and wet soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | High; prefers consistently moist soil |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Insignificant catkins; grown for foliage, not flowers |
| 🍒 Fruit Type | None |
| 🐝 Pollinators | Minimal pollinator value |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Dense, mounded, and arching branches |
| ↔️ Spacing | 4–6 ft apart for dense hedging |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Foundation plantings, colorful borders, rain gardens |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Moderate (prune annually for shape and vigor) |
Environmental Benefits
🌿 Tolerates wet soils, making it excellent for low areas or rain gardens
🌧️ Helps control erosion with fibrous root system
🌱 Provides low shelter habitat for small wildlife and insects
🍃 Reflective foliage can brighten shaded garden areas
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌈 Stunning pink-white-green foliage for visual impact | 🌿 Needs regular pruning to maintain compact shape |
| ⚡ Fast-growing and fills space quickly | 💧 Requires consistent moisture, especially in heat |
| 🏡 Great for hedges, borders, or container gardens | 🌳 Can become leggy or overgrown if neglected |
| 🌧️ Thrives in moist or poorly drained soils | ❄️ Foliage color may fade in hot, dry conditions |
| 🌱 Low-maintenance once established | 🐛 May attract aphids or scale in humid climates |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Soak root zone thoroughly before and after planting
🕳️ Dig a hole 2× as wide as root ball; plant at soil line
🌾 Add 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture
💦 Water regularly, especially during first two seasons and dry spells
✂️ Prune late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth
🧪 Fertilize in spring with balanced shrub food or compost
The Dappled Willow Shrub is a colorful, fast-growing accent plant that transforms any garden with its pastel foliage and flowing form. Ideal for borders, rain gardens, or mixed hedges, it delivers dramatic color and texture with minimal fuss—just give it sun and water, and it will dazzle all season long.
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