Maintenance Landscaping Design

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.

Also called

• Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki'
  
• Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock'
  
• Salix x fragilis 'Crack willow'
  
• Salix cinerea 'Grey willow'
  
• Salix alba 'White willow'

Good to Know

• Dappled willow is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
  
• It has a spreading growth habit and can reach a height of up to 6 feet (8 meters).
  
• The leaves of dappled willow are ovate in shape and have a toothed margin. They are green in color with pale yellowish-green or white stripes running along the length of the leaf.
  
• The flowers of dappled willow are small and white, borne in clusters on the tips of the branches.
  
• The fruit of dappled willow is a small, round, black berry.
  
• Dappled willow is tolerant of a range of soil conditions and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
  
• It is a popular choice for landscape plantings due to its attractive foliage and easy-care nature.
  
• Dappled willow is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, and leaf spot.
  
• It is also attractive to a number of birds and other wildlife.
  
• Dappled willow can be propagated from softwood cuttings or seed.

Related plant:
Dappled Willow Hakuro Nishiki

Growing Steps

1. For dappled willow, first step is to choose a location. Dappled willow does best in moist to wet soils so make sure the location you choose has good drainage.
   
2. Once you have chosen a location, clear the area of any debris or vegetation.
   
3. Next, you will need to dig a hole. The hole should be twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
   
4. When digging the hole, make sure to loosen the soil at the bottom to help with drainage.
   
5. Once the hole is dug, place the root ball of the dappled willow tree into it.
   
6. Make sure that the root ball is level with the ground around it.
   
7. To secure the tree, backfill the hole with the excavated soil.
   
8. Water the tree thoroughly.
   
9. For the first year, make sure to water the dappled willow tree regularly. Once established, it will be more drought tolerant.
   
10. The final step is to mulch around the base of the tree. This will help to keep the roots moist and protected.

The Soil

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.

Light condition

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.

Ideal Temperature

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.

Humidity Aspect

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.

Fertilizing

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.

Light requirement

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.

About Propagating

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.

Growth Rate

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.

The Problems

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.

List to Know

• Make sure to plant your dappled willow in an area that gets full sun.
  
• Dappled willow requires moist, well-drained soil.
  
• When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  
• Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  
• Water your dappled willow regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  
• Fertilize your dappled willow every spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your dappled willow in late winter or early spring to shape it and promote new growth.
  
• If you live in an area with deer, you may need to protect your dappled willow with fencing or other deterrents.
  
• Dappled willow is susceptible to a few different diseases, so watch for any signs of problems and treat accordingly.

Substitution

• Aspen (dappled willow)
  
• Poplar (dappled willow)
  
• Birch (dappled willow)
  
• Alder (dappled willow)
  
• Dogwood (dappled willow)
  
• Cherry (dappled willow)
  
• Plum (dappled willow)
  
• Peach (dappled willow)
  
• Apricot (dappled willow)
  
• Pear (dappled willow)

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