Maintenance Landscaping Design

Dappled willow hedge is an easy to grow deciduous shrub that can provide privacy and screening in the landscape. It is also a good choice for erosion control on slopes. The dappled willow has slender, graceful branches that are covered in small, ovate leaves. The leaves are a glossy dark green in the summer, and turn a golden yellow in the fall. The dappled willow is a fast-growing shrub that can reach 6-8 feet in height and 8-10 feet in width at maturity. It is best pruned in late winter or early spring.

Popular name

• Salix integra 'Heckelii'
  
• Salix x boerneri 'Tristis'
  
• Salix x calycopis 'Stricta'
  
• Salix x fragilis 'Crispa'
  
• Salix x rubens 'Fruticosa'

Basic info

• Dappled willow hedge is a shrub with variegated leaves and branches.
  
• It is also called Variegated Weeping Willow.
  
• Dappled willow hedge is native to North America.
  
• It has a weeping habit and can grow up to 15 feet tall.
  
• The leaves of dappled willow hedge are 2-5 inches long and have a variable coloration of green, yellow, and white.
  
• The flowers are small and yellow, blooming in the springtime.
  
• Dappled willow hedge is an excellent choice for privacy hedges or screening.
  
• It is low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
  
• Dappled willow hedge is deer resistant.
  
• It can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings.

Related plant:
Dappled Willow Hakuro Nishiki

How to Grow

1. For dappled willow hedge, first step is to find a sunny location.
   
2. Then, dig a trench that is about 18 inches deep and 3 feet wide.
   
3. Next, mix in some compost or manure into the trench.
   
4. After that, plant the dappled willow hedge plants 18 inches apart in the trench.
   
5. Once the plants are in the trench, backfill the trench with soil.
   
6. Next, water the plants deeply.
   
7. Then, mulch around the plants with straw or bark chips.
   
8. After that, prune the plants to the desired height.
   
9. Next, fertilize the plants in early spring.
   
10. Finally, water the plants deeply during dry periods.

Related plant:
Dappled Willow Shrub

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the dappled willow hedge prefers moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate short periods of standing water. It is not tolerant of salt or drought. This plant will grow in a wide variety of soil types including clay.

Light condition

Like the other willows, the dappled willow hedge prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet. The dappled willow has a light green color with leaves that are 2 to 4 inches long. The leaves have a unique shape with a serrated edge. The dappled willow is a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the dappled willow hedge is perfect for keeping it healthy and green. The hedge doesn't experience any extreme temperatures, so it doesn't experience any stress or damage. The moderate temperature means that the hedge can photosynthesize and grow without any problems.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% - 60%. The dappled willow hedge is a type of plant that thrives in humid conditions. It is ideal for gardens and hedges in areas with high humidity, as it is able to tolerate and even thrive in these conditions. The dappled willow hedge is a versatile plant that can be used for both ornamental and practical purposes.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant food helps the dappled willow hedge to take in essential nutrients and maintain a good root system. Without a strong root system, the hedge can easily become uprooted and topple over. To keep your dappled willow hedge looking its best, give it a regular feeding with a high-quality fertilizer.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a dappled willow hedge. This type of hedge is characterized by its soft, drooping branches. Pruning helps to maintain the shape of the hedge, as well as to encourage new growth.

The Propagation

Propagation is relatively easy for dappled willow; dormant hardwood cuttings can be taken from late fall to early spring. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, and taken from new growth. Place the cuttings in a prepared bed, and water well. Keep the bed moist until the cuttings have rooted, which typically takes about 4-6 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate are between 6 and 12 inches per year. Soils high in organic matter produce the best growth. Dappled willow hedges need full sun for best color and growth, but can tolerate some shade. Willows are very tolerant of poorly drained soils. They are also very tolerant of flooding and can even be grown in standing water.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, powdery mildew and dieback. These problems are all caused by different fungi. Scale is a small, hard, brownish insect that infests the twigs and leaves of the hedge. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that covers the leaves and twigs of the hedge. Dieback is a black, sooty fungus that attacks the twigs and leaves of the hedge.

List to Know

• Do not forget to water your dappled willow hedge regularly, especially during the summer months.
  
• Fertilize your dappled willow hedge at least once a year, using a slow-release fertilizer.
  
• Prune your dappled willow hedge twice a year, in early spring and late summer.
  
• Avoid planting your dappled willow hedge in full sun, as it will scorch the leaves.
  
• Plant your dappled willow hedge in well-drained soil.
  
• Space the plants in your dappled willow hedge at least 2 feet apart, to allow them room to grow.
  
• Stake your dappled willow hedge if necessary, to prevent it from toppling over.
  
• Protect your dappled willow hedge from strong winds by planting it in a sheltered location.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases,

Substitution

• Crenulate willow (Salix crenulata)
  
• Davy’s willow (Salix davyi)
  
• Diffusa willow (Salix diffusa)
  
• Diotima willow (Salix diotima)
  
• Diversifolia willow (Salix diversifolia)
  
• Dunn’s willow (Salix dunnii)
  
• Elegant willow (Salix elegantissima)
  
• Elata willow (Salix elata)
  
• Engelmanii willow (Salix engelmanii)
  
• Flava willow (Salix flava)

Source:
Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' (Japanese Dappled Willow, Nishiki Willow ...
Willow Diseases - Penn State Extension
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