If you’re planting your Dappled Willow (also known as the ‘Hakuro Nishiki’) in a container or a large pot, you’ve got total flexibility—you can pot them up pretty much any time of year. However, if you want your willow to take root directly in your garden beds, your best bet is to plant during the spring or fall.
Why Dappled Willows are a Garden Favorite
The Dappled Willow really stands out for two main reasons: that eye-catching, variegated foliage that pops in any landscape, and its shallow root system. Those roots are actually a huge plus! Even when the tree is fully grown, the roots usually stay less than three feet deep. This makes it the perfect choice for spots where the soil isn’t very deep or for planting over underground lines where other trees might struggle. It’s a tough little tree that turns a “difficult” garden spot into a cozy home. Here are the quick specs:
- Genus: Willow (Salix)
- Family: Salicaceae
- Botanical Name: Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’
- Height: 5 to 10 feet
- Width: 4 to 6.5 feet
Planting Your Tree is a Breeze
Thanks to that shallow root system, you won’t have to break your back digging a massive hole. Once your tree is tucked securely into its new spot, the most important thing is to give it a good, long soak. Since fresh soil tends to settle after watering, keep some extra dirt handy to fill in any gaps around the trunk. If you have some compost lying around, mix a bit in—it gives your willow a fantastic head start with all the nutrients it needs.
Keep an Eye on the Moisture
If you hit a scorching summer heatwave in the months after planting, keep a close watch on your new willow. You’ll want to give it an extra drink more often than your established plants. Just remember: because those roots don’t go super deep, the tree can’t reach down into the water table, so it relies on you to keep the topsoil moist.
Did You Know?
Dappled Willows are surprisingly easy to move! Even if a tree has been rooted in one spot for years, you can transplant it without too much fuss. If you move it in the fall, it’ll have plenty of time to get settled before its spring growth spurt. And if you’re growing your willow in a planter, just give it a dose of balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a year. Right when the new leaves start to bud is the perfect time to show off your green thumb!
