Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ – Dappled Willow is a striking ornamental shrub known for its eye-catching variegated foliage and graceful, arching branches. The new growth emerges pink in spring, maturing to a blend of creamy white and green, giving the shrub a dappled appearance. Its colorful stems provide winter interest, especially when pruned to encourage fresh growth.

This compact, multi-stemmed shrub grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Dappled Willow prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates wetter conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or planting near water features. Although not native to North America, its vibrant foliage and adaptability make it popular for hedges, screens, and accent plantings.

Why Choose Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ – Dappled Willow?

• Unique, variegated foliage with pink, white, and green tones
• Fast-growing and adaptable, ideal for hedges and privacy screens
• Provides winter interest with colorful stems
• Tolerant of wet soils and perfect for rain gardens

Cultivating Tips:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for the best leaf coloration
• Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates periodic wetness
• Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain size and encourage colorful new growth
• Can be trained into a small tree or maintained as a shrub

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

• Use as a colorful focal point or specimen shrub in mixed borders
• Ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and moist sites
• Pairs well with evergreens and native grasses for contrasting textures

Ecological Benefits:

• Provides seasonal interest and wildlife cover, though not native
• Helps stabilize soil in wet areas and prevent erosion

Since Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ is not a native species, here are three native alternatives available at Bumbee’s:

• Clethra alnifolia – Summersweet: A native shrub with fragrant white flower spikes that attract pollinators. Thrives in moist soils and partial shade.
• Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ – Henry’s Garnet Sweetspire: A native shrub with cascading white flowers and brilliant red fall color. Tolerates moist soils and shade.
• Viburnum dentatum – Arrowwood Viburnum: A hardy native shrub with creamy white spring flowers, blue-black berries, and colorful fall foliage. Thrives in a range of soil conditions, including wet areas.