Variegated Japanese Willow (Tree Form) - 'Hakura Nishiki'

Other Names:  S.i. 'Albomaculata', Dappled Willow

Description:

One of the showiest of grafted trees for foliage color, new growth emerges soft pink and white, literally bathing the plant with color in spring, fades to white variegation in summer; should be pruned every winter for maximum effect; tough and adaptable

Ornamental Features

Variegated Japanese Willow tree has attractive white-variegated deciduous green foliage with hints of pink which emerges pink in spring. The narrow leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant. The smooth bark and brick red branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Japanese Variegated Willow tree is a multi-branched, deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This small tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and it has no significant negative characteristics.

Tricolor Willow is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Tricolor Willow will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.