Where to Find Dappled Willow Trees Near Me

The gorgeous dappled willow tree with its colorful variegated foliage, is a prized ornamental specimen. But where can you find these stunning tri-color willows for sale if you want to plant one in your own yard? With their growing popularity dappled willow availability has expanded, so tracking down local sources is getting easier. This guide will help you locate dappled willow trees at nurseries, garden centers, online stores, and from mail-order growers.

What is a Dappled Willow Tree?

Also called variegated willow flamingo willow or tricolor willow, the dappled willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’) displays a flashy foliage show. The elongated leaves emerge pinkish, then mature to a blend of pink, green, and white. The Japanese name “Hakuro Nishiki” refers to this splashy variegation.

In winter, the coral-red stems provide great color. Dappled willows grow as large shrubs or small trees ranging from 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. Their compact size makes them ideal accent plants. They thrive with minimal care in USDA zones 4-9.

Where to Find Dappled Willow Trees for Sale

You can find dappled willows for sale at some or all of the following local sources:

Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

Check independent nurseries and local garden centers to see if they stock dappled willow trees. Availability will depend on your location and climate. Dappled willows can be grown outdoors year-round in mild winter regions, so are more commonly sold there.

In areas with harsh winters, they may only be sold seasonally as potted plants that need winter protection. The best times to find dappled willows stocked at local nurseries are spring through fall.

Even if a garden center says they can order dappled willows, it’s smart to call ahead to confirm availability and reserve your tree.

Big Box Stores

Some big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sell dappled willows seasonally, generally in spring and fall. Inventory varies by location. Check their garden centers or use their websites to search local store availability.

Big box retailers get plants from regional growers, so selection depends on what can be sourced nearby. Order early for the best selection.

Local Landscapers

Reputable local landscaping companies often have great contacts with plant growers and access to rare or hard-to-find plants like dappled willows.

Many landscapers are happy to purchase plants for clients at wholesale nursery prices, which are lower than retail. They can also handle planting.

Favored Plant Catalogs

The highest availability of dappled willow trees will be from online and mail-order nurseries that specialize in rare, unusual, or hard-to-find plants.

Some top sources include:

• Wilson Bros Gardens – Offers the Dappled Willow in both shrub and small tree forms. Provides excellent plant care guides online.

• Nature Hills Nursery – A wide selection of potted Dappled Willows available. Highly rated for shipment quality.

• Monrovia – A major grower that supplies to garden centers and offers mail-order plants. Good availability.

• Brighter Blooms – Stock a few sizes of container-grown Dappled Willows for shipment.

• Green Promise Farms (via Amazon) – Retailer of Green Promise grown plants. Check for Dappled Willow availability.

When buying mail-order plants, look for fast, safe shipping from growers located in your hardiness zone for better plant survival.

How to Care for Your Dappled Willow Tree

Caring properly for your new Dappled Willow helps it thrive. Here are some key care tips:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Provide at least 6 hours of sun for best foliage color.

• Grow in moist, well-draining soil. Irrigate regularly until established. Mulch to conserve moisture.

• Prune lightly in summer after new growth appears to promote dense foliage. For size control, prune harder in late winter.

• Remove dead branches and prune suckers regularly. Thin congested interior branches for better air circulation.

• Monitor for pests like spider mites. Treat infestations early with organic methods. Prevent diseases with airflow.

• Protect from harsh winter wind and sun. In cold climates, grow Dappled Willow in containers to overwinter indoors.

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer to support growth and good coloration.

With proper siting, care and pruning, dappled willows are trouble-free small specimen trees that brighten any garden with dazzling colors.

Where to Buy Dappled Willows Online

More and more gardeners are choosing to shop online for plants that are rare or not available locally. Buying dappled willows online makes finding your perfect tree easy. Reputable online sellers offer many advantages:

• Wider selection of tree sizes and cultivars

• Ship safely bareroot or potted at optimal planting times

• Typically ship faster than catalog order nurseries

• Better plant availability compared to local stores

• Convenience of buying direct from home with delivery to your door

To locate dappled willows from online sellers, use the search bar on the company website. Good sellers to check include:

• Wilson Bros Gardens – Offers the Dappled Willow Tree in both a bush form and small tree form. Sells sizes from 1 gallon pots up to 5 gallon for the tree form.

• BrighterBlooms.com – Stocks the Dappled Willow Shrub in 3 gallon and 5 gallon sizes. Fast shipping.

• Spring Hill Nurseries– Grow and sell the Dappled Willow in 3 gallon and 5 gallon containers.

• Nature Hills Nursery – Large online selection of Dappled Willows in multiple sizes. Highly rated company.

• Monrovia.com – Large grower that sells many varieties online. Check their availability of Dappled Willow trees and shrubs.

• Green Promise Farms via Amazon – Grow and sell own plants. Worth checking for Dappled Willows.

Order early for best selection of the size, cultivar and quantity you need. Read seller reviews and check if they guarantee living arrival. Look for fast, safe shipping methods too.

Buying Dappled Willows From Online Marketplaces

In addition to checking major online plant sellers, you can sometimes find dappled willows for sale on these online marketplace sites:

• eBay – Individual sellers may auction off plants. Sort by closest location.

• Etsy – Some plant sellers and nurseries offer live plants on Etsy. Use site search for dappled willow.

• Craigslist – Check under Farm & Garden or Materials sections for local plant sellers.

• Facebook Marketplace – Connects local buyers and sellers. Search your area for dappled willow listings.

• NextDoor – Neighbors and nearby nurseries may post plants for sale. Scope out availability.

Buying from individuals on these sites typically offers lower prices but also more risks. Be sure to check seller ratings, ask questions, and understand plant conditions and guarantees before purchasing.

Key Tips for Buying Dappled Willow Trees

Follow these tips for the best results when buying dappled willows:

• If buying mail-order, choose growers located in your zone whenever possible for better plant survival.

• When buying online, look for sellers who guarantee living arrival and will replace plants that die.

• Select plants that are pest and disease free with healthy foliage and roots. Avoid weak, stunted, or damaged plants.

• For mail-order, opt for the largest size you can afford to get a more mature tree that establishes quickly.

• Pick trees displaying the brightest leaf variegation for maximum color impact.

• Check if your tree was grafted for true cultivar accuracy. Look for the graft union on the lower trunk.

• Buy from reputable sellers with good reviews and customer service who know how to package and ship plants properly.

• For potted trees, check for rootbound plants where roots circle the container perimeter. Avoid these or tease roots loose before planting.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can successfully locate a healthy dappled willow tree that will bring striking beauty to your garden for years to come. With so many sources available, you can soon be growing your own. Let the colorful foliage display begin!