Maintenance Landscaping Design

Dappled willow shrub is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be 6-8 feet tall and wide. The leaves of the dappled willow are oval shaped and have a toothed margin. The leaves are a dark green color on top and a lighter green color on the bottom. The dappled willow blooms in the springtime with small, yellow flowers. The fruit of the dappled willow is a small, blackberry-like fruit that is edible.

Popular name

• Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'
  
• Salix purpurea 'Nana'
  
• Salix babylonica
  
• Salix pentandra
  
• Salix gracilistyla

Basic info

• The dappled willow shrub is a deciduous shrub that is native to Europe and Asia.
  
• It is a fast-growing shrub that can reach a height of 15 feet (6 meters) and a width of 10 feet (3 meters).
  
• The shrub has a rounded shape and its branches are covered in small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color with white undersides.
  
• The dappled willow shrub produces small, yellow flowers in the springtime.
  
• The shrub is tolerant of a variety of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  
• The dappled willow shrub is relatively easy to grow and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
  
• It is an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and windbreaks.
  
• The dappled willow shrub can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  
• The wood of the dappled willow shrub is strong and flexible, making it useful for a variety of purposes such as basketry, fencing, and woodworking.
  
• The dappled willow shrub is also known as the goat willow, pussy willow, or tree of a thousand golden flowers.

Related plant:
Dappled Willow Hakuro Nishiki

Planting Process

1. For dappled willow shrub, first step is to find a sunny location in your yard.
   
2. Prepare the soil by clearing the area of any debris, and then tilling or spading the soil to a depth of about 8 inches.
   
3. Next, you will need to obtain a willow tree. You can buy one from a nursery, or collect one from the wild.
   
4. Once you have your willow tree, cut it down to a manageable size, and then chop it into small pieces.
   
5. Next, soak the willow pieces in water for 24 hours.
   
6. After 24 hours, plant the willow pieces in the prepared soil, spacing them about 10 inches apart.
   
7. Water the willow shrubs regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
   
8. In the spring, you can fertilize the willow shrubs with a balanced fertilizer.
   
9. The willow shrubs will need to be pruned each year to keep them from getting too large.
   
10. Finally, enjoy the beauty of your dappled willow shrub!

Related plant:
Dappled Willow Bush

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the dappled willow shrub prefers well-drained, moist soils, but it is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. It is not particular about soil pH, but it does best in acidic soils. The shrub is also tolerant of salt and alkali.

Light condition

Similar to other willow trees, the dappled willow shrub thrives in full sun. It's a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 15 feet tall. The dappled willow is a deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its leaves in the fall. It's a popular choice for landscaping because it's low-maintenance and provides year-round interest.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for a dappled willow shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub prefers shady areas and will not do well in direct sunlight. It is important to keep the soil around the dappled willow shrub moist but not soggy. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves of the shrub will begin to turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is moderate to high. They are known to be quite tolerant of different conditions, but prefer a damp or humid environment. If the air is too dry, the leaves may begin to drop.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is not very demanding. In most cases, a general-purpose fertilizer will suffice. It's important to not overdo it, however, as too much fertilizer can actually damage the roots and cause the plant to become unhealthy.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your dappled willow shrub healthy and looking its best. Although this plant is tolerant of pruning, it is best to wait until early spring before pruning. This will give the plant time to recover from any winter damage and ensure that new growth is not damaged by the pruning process. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches first. Then, shape the plant by cutting back any overgrown branches. Finally, cut back any branch that is growing in an unwanted direction.

About Propagating

Propagation of dappled willow shrub is relatively easy and can be performed by both softwood and hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in early summer when the new growth is just starting to harden off. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems and should be about 6-8 inches in length. After taking the cutting, remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a moist, well-drained potting mix and water lightly. Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and in 4-6 weeks the cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered fast, meaning they will add several inches of growth each year. However, some varieties are slower growers, so be sure to check the tag before purchasing. These shrubs are typically multi-stemmed and can reach heights between 6 and 12 feet, with a spread of 4 to 8 feet. Because of their size and growth rate, dappled willows are often used as hedges or privacy screens.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, weevils, scale, and whiteflies. These pests can cause serious damage to the plant, and can be difficult to control. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, it is important to take action immediately.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your dappled willow shrub regularly. Without water, the leaves will begin to droop and the branches will become weak.
  
• fertilize your dappled willow shrub every month during the growing season. This will help the plant to produce more leaves and flowers.
  
• Prune your dappled willow shrub regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Place your dappled willow shrub in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours per day.
  
• To prevent the leaves from scorching, mist the leaves of your dappled willow shrub daily during hot weather.
  
• Check the soil around your dappled willow shrub regularly to make sure it is not too dry or too wet. The roots of the plant need to be in moist but not wet soil.
  
• When the plant is young, stake it to prevent the stem from breaking

Alternative Plants

• Willow Tree
  
• Spotted Willow
  
• Weeping Willow
  
• Black Willow
  
• Crack Willow
  
• White Willow
  
• Hairy Willow
  
• Red Willow
  
• Purple Willow
  
• Golden Willow

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Willow—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Extension – Willowpedia - Cornell University
How to Control Willow - AquaPlant: Management of Pond Plants …