dappled willow

Dappled willow should be watered once every 7-10 days when grown in containers. When growing dappled willow outdoors, water it deeply and thoroughly once every 2 weeks during dry spells. Make sure the soil is damp at least 4 inches below the surface. Dappled willow does not like to be over-watered, and will develop root rot if the soil is constantly wet. As a general rule, water whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch.

Dappled willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki') requires full sun exposure, which means 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. This plant will also need protection from wind, so if planting outdoors, placing it in a well-sheltered spot is ideal. You can also move containers indoors to a bright room in the winter to protect them from frost, if needed. Additional protection from intense midday sun is also recommended for this species, as too much heat may cause the leaves to scorch.

You should prune your dappled willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki') once a year, in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be mild, removing no more than 1 third of the stems. This will encourage a dense, mounded form, and will keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Start by removing dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches. Then, selectively thin out the stems, cutting them back to maintain a desired shape. Cut back old branches to the base to increase new growth. Finally, remove spent flower heads and trim away any wayward shoots.