Dappled willow bush is a deciduous shrub that is native to eastern North America. It is a member of the Salicaceae, or willow, family. The dappled willow bush is a popular ornamental plant because of its graceful, weeping habit and pretty, dappled leaves.
Related plant:
Dappled Willow Hakuro Nishiki
Related plant:
Flamingo Dappled Willow
About soil condition, the dappled willow bush prefers moist to wet soil that is slightly acidic. It also does well in loamy soil. The bush is not particular about soil type as long as it is well-drained. The dappled willow bush can tolerate some drought but it will not thrive.
Not too different with other willow trees, the dappled willow bush needs full sun to partial sun in order to grow properly. However, this type of willow is more tolerant to drought and heat than other willows. It can also grow in a wide range of soil types as long as the soil is well-drained.
The temperature was cool and the dappled willow bush was a perfect place to sit and relax. The sun was shining through the leaves and the breeze was blowing, making the leaves dance. It was a beautiful day.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the plant may suffer from leaf drop. If the humidity rises above 60%, the plant may suffer from leaf curling.
Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant is rather low-maintenance in this area. The dappled willow bush generally does not require much fertilizer, however, if the leaves begin to turn yellow then it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough nutrients and fertilizer may be necessary. The roots of the dappled willow bush are not particularly deep, so be careful when digging around this plant as not to damage the roots.
Pruning a dappled willow bush is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You'll want to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Once you've done that, you can shape the bush by pruning back the longest branches.
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. The dappled willow bush can be propagated by taking cuttings from the tips of the branches. These cuttings should be about four inches long and should be taken from healthy, new growth. The cuttings should be placed in a container filled with moistened potting mix. They should be kept warm and moist until they begin to root, which usually takes about two weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into their own pots or into the ground.
Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the first few years after planting. Then, growth gradually decreases and may even stop altogether after a decade or so. This is normal behavior for the plant, and there's no need to be concerned. If you want to encourage greater growth, you can prune the bush back hard every few years. This will stimulate new growth and keep the plant looking its best.
Common problems for this kind of plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem canker. These problems are often caused by too much moisture or humid conditions. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant the bush in well-draining soil and in an area with good air circulation.
Source:
Pests and Diseases Willowpedia - Cornell University
How to Control Willow - AquaPlant: Management of Pond Plants
Starting willow trees from stem cuttings / Does drought really kill
