How to Plant Hakuro Nishiki (Salix Integra)

How to Plant Hakuro Nishiki (Salix Integra)

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Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki.’  That’s quite a mouthful, and it doesn’t even begin to describe this one’s beauty.

Hakuro Nishiki  is a deciduous flowering shrub that thrives in full sun or partial shade and moist soil. Sometimes called the dappled willow, it is also available in tree form. You’ll find both forms for sale at Nature Hills Nursery online.

This plant is loved for its colorful foliage that turns from pink in the spring to white and green in the summer and then yellow in the fall. After the leaves fall the stems turn red. When planning where to plant Hakuro Nishiki, keep in mind that, when mature, its width can range from 4 feet to 10 feet.

closeup of dappled willow, Hakuro Nishiki, with pink and variegated green leavesPrepare the soil for the Hakuro Nishiki

It’s always a good idea, after weeding, to break up and loosen the soil before planting anything. Roots, rocks and other debris should be removed and any clods of soil larger than your fist should be smashed with the spade or shovel.

Although it isn’t absolutely necessary, and the practice is being debated, you can add 2 inches of compost to the soil and mix it in to a depth of 5 inches. This will give the Hakuro Nishiki a jump start after planting

Dappled willow foliage
Dappled willow, ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ tree form available online at Nature Hills Nursery

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The Planting Hole

Take a look at the container in which the plant is growing and dig the planting hole 2 inches wider and the same depth. Firm the soil at the bottom of the hole but drag the tines of a gardening fork over the inside walls to give the plant’s roots a head start penetrating the soil.

Planting the Salix integra

Loosen the outside of the rootball with your fingers. Don’t man-handle it — lightly work some roots loose.

Place the Hakuro Nishiki’s roots  in the prepared hole, spreading them outward. The base of the plant, where the roots begin to flare, should be level with the surrounding soil.

Fill the hole halfway with soil and then run water into the hole until it’s full. As the water drains, it will settle the soil around the roots, removing air pockets. Finish filling the hole with soil and  add a 1-inch layer of mulch to the soil, 6 inches from the base of the plant and spread completely around it.

Water the plant well.


Reader Comments

  1. I planted a dappled willow in my garden..it is such a beautiful shrub…I just had a small dead tree cut down and I have a idea to plant 2 dappled willow around the stump… While living in Wyoming. I planted one but the morning when I got up and looked out..the mule deer and antelope had totally ate it…I moved back to Ohio and I planted one and it is absolutely gorgeous….I love love it!

  2. Paka Tufono says:

    Yikes! You must’ve been heartbroken when you saw the eaten dappled willow. Glad you have another. They are so amazing!

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