The dappled willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’) is a popular ornamental tree with a graceful weeping habit. It has lovely gray-green foliage streaked with pink and white. Since this tree grows quickly, pruning a dappled willow is always an important part of the maintenance. Read on for information on dappled willow pruning.
The dappled willow also known as the tri-color or variegated willow is a popular ornamental shrub grown for its beautiful pink, white and green foliage. With its multi-colored leaves emerging in springtime, the dappled willow adds a pop of color to the garden.
Proper pruning is key to keeping your dappled willow looking its best. Pruning encourages the shrub to produce abundant young shoots, restoring the pink and white variegation that tends to fade as summer approaches. When and how you prune makes all the difference.
Why Prune a Dappled Willow?
Pruning serves several important purposes
- Promotes dense, bushy new growth that exhibits the brightest leaf colors
- Removes older, leggy branches
- Controls size and shape
- Rejuvenates aging shrubs
Without pruning, dappled willows can become overgrown and unattractive. Their foliage loses its colorful appeal. Regular pruning keeps the plant shapely and decorative.
When to Prune for Best Results
Timing is everything when it comes to pruning dappled willows. To encourage optimal leaf color and plant health, prune in late winter or very early spring.
The ideal time is right before the shrub leafs out and enters its active growing period. In most climates, late February to early March is perfect.
Pruning in fall or midwinter is not recommended, as it can stimulate tender new growth that may get damaged by harsh weather.
Signs that it’s time to prune:
- Catkins appear on branches
- Buds begin to swell
- Daytime temperatures reach above freezing
How to Prune a Dappled Willow
Pruning a dappled willow is simple:
1. Start by removing all dead, damaged or crossing branches. Clear out congested areas to open up the shrub’s interior to light and air circulation.
2. Shorten remaining branches by 1/3 their length. Make cuts just above an outward facing bud or side shoot.
3. Shape and contain size as needed. You can prune quite heavily, removing up to one-third of the total branches. The willow will readily re-sprout.
4. Clean tools with isopropyl alcohol when finished. This prevents disease transmission.
That’s all there is to basic pruning. Resist the urge to shear the top into a ball shape, as this removes the colorful stems. Make selective cuts instead.
Additional Summer Pruning
For added color, some gardeners do a second pruning in mid-summer (July or early August). This stimulates a new flush of bright pink and white growth.
Simply shorten all branches by about 6 inches above a leaf node. The willow will quickly generate fresh shoot tips with renewed variegation. It energizes the plant for a final show of color before fall.
This second pruning is optional. The trade-off is a brief burst of color followed by more tangled re-growth to prune out next spring.
Pruning a Tree Form Dappled Willow
Dappled willows are sometimes grafted onto a standard rootstock to create a “tree” form. Although visually different, pruning needs are the same:
- Prune in late winter, removing up to one-third of branches
- Make additional corrective pruning during summer if needed
- Eliminate any suckers that sprout from the rootstock area
Avoid topping off the central leader, as this damages the graft union. Instead, selectively thin and shorten side branches.
What Tools to Use
Hand pruners are ideal for smaller stems up to half inch in diameter. Larger branches will require loppers or pruning saw.
- Bypass pruners make clean cuts that heal quickly
- Sterilize tools before and after use with isopropyl alcohol
- Keep blades sharp for easiest cutting and healthiest plants
Avoid wounding the plant by crushing stems instead of cutting them. Ragged tears invite pests and diseases. Make cuts just outside healthy buds.
Follow Proper Pruning Techniques
- Always cut back to just above an outward facing bud or side shoot
- Angle cuts slightly downwards to prevent water pooling on cut tips
- Space cuts evenly down the branch; don’t remove all growth at the same point
- Never leave branch stubs; shorten to an intersecting bud or shoot
- Disinfect tools before moving between plants
Following some simple rules helps protect plant health when pruning. Make proper cuts in the right places at the right time.
Dispose of Pruned Stems Properly
Never compost diseased wood, as this can spread problems. Healthy stems can go into the compost pile or chop into smaller pieces first. Or simply dispose of pruned branches through municipal yard waste collection. Just don’t leave them as a tripping hazard on the lawn!
Benefits of Regular Pruning
- Renewed flower and leaf color
- Denser foliage
- Aesthetically pleasing compact shape
- Removes aging, damaged areas
- Allows light and air to interior
- Rejuvenates overgrown shrubs
- Keeps size manageable
Pruning is a bit of work that pays off handsomely. A well-groomed dappled willow graces your landscape with brightly-colored, shapely appeal. Time your pruning correctly, and you’ll enjoy this unique ornamental shrub for years of beauty.
Cutting Back Dappled Willows
Japan and Korea are home to the dappled willow. It usually grows near water, like in marshes and along streams. Its shoots were used in yesteryear for basket making. A Dutch breeder brought Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ to this country in 1979.
Dappled willow is now seen as an ornamental plant, so many gardeners put it on their lists of things to do. All willows grow rapidly, and dappled willows are no exception. Keep this in mind when you are choosing trees for your backyard.
Dappled willows are attractive, tolerant, and quick-growing trees. You’ll find that these willows grow branches and shoots remarkably fast. They also produce lots of suckers around their bases. A dappled willow needs to be trimmed at least once a season to keep it from growing too fast.
We’re happy to say that there aren’t many things that can go wrong when you prune dappled willow. These are very forgiving trees and will thrive no matter how you trim them. In fact, cutting back dappled willow almost always makes them more attractive. That’s because all new shoots grow in with lovely pink-tinged foliage.
How to Prune Dappled Willow
When you prune, there are a few things you should always do. The rest will depend on what you want to do with the tree or shrub.
Start pruning a dappled willow by removing dead, broken, or diseased branches. This is essential for the health and vitality of the plant.
How to Prune a Dappled Willow Tree Salix Hakuro Nishiki and Results after 72 Days
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