Willow Tree, Dappled Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki (tree form)' Height: 20 feet Spread: 10 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 3b Other Names: S.i. 'Albomaculata', Dappled Willow Description: One of the showiest small trees for foliage color, new growth emerges soft pink and white, literally bathing the plant with color in spring, fades to white variegation in summer; should be pruned every winter for maximum effect; tough and adaptable Ornamental Features Willow Tree, Dappled has attractive white-variegated green foliage with hints of pink which emerges pink in spring on a tree with a distinctive lollipop-like form. The narrow leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. The smooth bark and brick red branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape. Landscape Attributes Willow Tree, Dappled is a deciduous tree, selected and trained to grow in a small tree-like form with the primary plant grafted high atop a standard. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone. This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Willow Tree, Dappled is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Willow Tree, Dappled will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This tree does best in partial shade to shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Willow Tree, Dappled is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Special Attributes The Dappled Willow is best if grown in afternoon shade so the leaves don't burn in the hot sunlight of summer.
