Dappled willow is a flowering shrub that is native to North America. The plant gets its name from the dappled or mottled leaves that have a light and dark coloration. The dappled willow is a deciduous shrub, which means it loses its leaves in the fall. The plant typically blooms in the spring and summer months.
Related plant:
Dappled Willow Hakuro Nishiki
About soil condition, the dappled willow has higher water requirements and prefers moist to wet soils that are slightly acidic. It can tolerate short periods of drought but will not survive in waterlogged or overly dry conditions. This tree is adaptable to a range of soil types but does best in moist, well-drained soils.
Just like other trees, dappled willows need sun to grow. They are often found near water, where they can get the sun they need to prosper. These trees can grow to be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for them before planting.
The temperature was perfect for a picnic. We spread our blanket under a dappled willow and unpacked our basket. The sun was warm, but the tree provided enough shade to keep us comfortable. The breeze was just enough to keep the mosquitoes away.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the leaves will begin to wilt and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity remains below 60% for an extended period of time, the plant will eventually die.
For the fertilizer, this plant requires a lot of nitrogen, so a good all-purpose fertilizer will work fine. Be sure to fertilize regularly, especially during the growing season. As for the roots, they are very sensitive to disturbance. So, when transplanting, be very careful not to damage the roots.
Pruning a dappled willow is an easy way to keep this plant looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. Cut back any overgrown branches to encourage new growth. Dappled willows can be pruned in late winter or early spring.
Propagation is generally done by taking cuttings from the desired plant. A sharp knife or pair of shears is used to take a 4-6 inch cutting from the tips of the plant. The cutting is then placed in moistened potting soil. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the cutting should be placed in a location where it will receive indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can then be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the growing conditions. It can be as little as 6 inches (15 cm) or as much as 3 feet (91 cm) per year. The growth rate is usually faster when the plant is young.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and willow aphids. The best way to prevent these problems is to plant the willow in an area with full sun and good air circulation. If powdery mildew does appear, you can remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide. Rust can be controlled by removing the affected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide. Willow aphids can be controlled with a insecticide.
Source:
Dappled Willow - Missouri State University
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Dappled Willow
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Willow—UC IPM - ucanr.edu