Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’

A variegated willow for the sunny border

I am always astound by the color impact and pizzazz my Japanese variegated willow tree ( Salix integra‘Hakuro - nishiki ’ , USDA Hardiness zona 5–8 ) provides in my creation border . This cultivar has foliage that looks white from a distance , but a closer examination reveals that the new leaves are dapple in shade of white , pinkish , and green , mature to mostly unripe and cream . To maintain the whiteand- pinkish variegation , I prune in former fountain or late gloaming . I also cut back mine back in July to keep it minuscule .

The escaped habit of Japanese motley willow provides a welcome textural contrast to wet coniferous tree and broadleaf evergreen plant . The pink - hue root and arm are slightly upright initially but tend to take a outflow form as they lengthen . In winter , the stems twist a striking red . To get the best color , the bow should be turn out back in former bounce . Japanese variegated willow performs best in a sunny position with average land . And it has no pestilence or disease problems to talk of .

In my cool - colored garden , this shrub is sit utterly among purple - flowering ‘ African Queen ’ butterfly bush ( Buddleia davidii‘African Queen ’ , Zones 6–9 ) , apricot ‘ Taki No Yosooi ’ peony ( Paeonia lactiflora‘Taki No Yosooi ’ , Zones 3–8 ) , and a group of one-year anthesis baccy ( Nicotiana sylvestris ) . All of these plants have large or divided foliage that contrasts nicely with the willow ’s 2 - column inch - long , lance - shaped leaves . Try it in your garden — it is sure to draw care .

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