The Stunning Willow Tree with Pink Flowers: A Complete Growing and Care Guide

The willow tree with pink flowers, scientifically known as Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’, is truly a sight to behold. This gorgeous, fast-growing tree is coveted for its vibrant foliage that emerges in shades of pale pink and gradually transitions to green and white as the seasons change With its gracefully cascading branches and multi-colored leaves, it’s easy to see why the pink-flowered willow tree is becoming an increasingly popular choice for gardens and landscapes

In this complete growing and care guide, we will explore everything you need to know about selecting, planting, and caring for a willow tree with pink flowers. We’ll discuss optimal growing conditions, watering and pruning needs, and how to troubleshoot common issues with these stunning ornamental trees. Read on to learn how you can add this visual standout to your own outdoor space!

An Overview of the Pink-Flowered Willow Tree

The pink-flowered willow, also referred to as the dappled willow or variegated willow, is a deciduous tree in the Salix genus of the willow family Salicaceae. It is a cultivar of the popular Pussy Willow, specially selected for its pink new growth.

This small to mid-sized ornamental tree reaches mature heights of 10-20 feet tall and spreads 10-15 feet wide. It has a rounded, spreading form with gracefully arching branches that give it a delicate, weeping appearance.

The pink-flowered willow’s foliage emerges in a striking pale pink color in spring. As the season progresses the leaves transition to pale green and develop white variegation. In fall the leaves turn golden yellow. The stems also display colorful red and yellow hues throughout the year.

While Salix integra does produce small catkin flowers in spring, it is grown primarily for its vivid foliage. It is both frost and deer resistant.

Growing Conditions for Pink Willow Trees

The pink-flowered willow thrives in full sun exposure and moderately moist, well-draining soil. When selecting the planting site, choose an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dappled willows will tolerate partial shade, but may not develop as intense leaf coloring.

These trees flourish in loose, loamy soils that retain moisture but still drain well after heavy rain. Avoid planting them in dense, compacted clay that doesn’t drain efficiently.

If planting in sandy soils, amend the area with compost or organic matter at planting time to improve moisture retention. Maintain evenly moist soil during the growing season, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings.

Pink willows tolerate a wide range of soil pH between acidic and alkaline levels. They can withstand environmental salt and drought once established. However, they will decline if soil moisture drops too low for extended periods.

Hardiness zones 5-9 are recommended for growing Salix integra. Provide winter protection for trees in zone 5 or in exposed, windy areas.

How to Plant and Care for a Willow Tree with Pink Flowers

With the right planting techniques and proper care, your pink-flowered willow will thrive for years to come. Here are some key tips for getting your tree off to a healthy start:

Planting

• Select a full sun location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball and equal in depth.
• Carefully remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.
• Backfill the hole with native soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
• Space multiple trees 10-15 feet apart to allow for mature spread.

Watering

• Water deeply once a week during the first year, aiming to moisten the soil to a 6 inch depth.
• Established trees need supplemental water during drought. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation.
• Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter to shape and maintain form. Remove any dead or damaged growth.
• Thin overly dense branches to encourage air circulation and light penetration.
• Renewal pruning can be done every 2-3 years to rejuvenate growth. Cut back older branches to just above a healthy bud.

Fertilization

• In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer following label rates.
• Avoid excess nitrogen, which can promote leggy growth.
• Do not fertilize after mid-summer to prevent late season leaf growth.

Pest/Disease Control

• Ensure proper cultural care to prevent most disease issues.
• Inspect regularly for common problems like leaf spot, powdery mildew, stem canker, and insect pests.
• Remove any infected material immediately. Treat as needed with organic fungicides or insecticidal soaps.

Where to Buy a Pink-Flowered Willow Tree

Garden centers and nurseries don’t always carry the pink-flowered willow, since it’s still somewhat uncommon. Buying online from a reputable nursery is often the best option to find this gorgeous ornamental tree.

When shopping for your plant, look for key indicators of health, like robust stems, plentiful leaf buds, and an extensive root system. Avoid any trees with broken branches, discolored or wrinkled bark, few buds, or roots that are girdling the container.

Purchase young container-grown trees in either 1-2 gallon pots or larger 5-7 gallon sizes. The smaller trees may take longer to establish but are easier to transport and plant. Larger trees will fill out faster but require more space for planting.

For the best value, consider buying your pink willow tree during the dormant season. Bareroot and packaged trees are less expensive than potted varieties. Just be sure to plant them as soon as possible after delivery.

Reputable online sellers like Fast Growing Trees, Wilson Bros Gardens, and Nature Hills Nursery offer a wide selection of high-quality Salix integra trees to choose from. Look for options like:

• Tri-Color Dappled Willow – Vivid pink, green, and white foliage
• Flamingo® Dappled Willow – Bright yellow, coral, and green leaves
• Scarlet Curls® Dappled Willow – Curly foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow
• Japanese Dappled Willow – Delicate pink spring growth

Designing With Pink Willow Trees

The graceful pink willow provides ample visual interest on its own, but also blends beautifully into designed garden beds, borders, and containers. Here are some ideas for working it into your landscape:

• Use as a focal point specimen tree in a sunny island planting bed. Underplant with purple or yellow foliage plants like coneflowers for contrast.

• Plant in groups of three to create a vibrant, colorful privacy screen or property border. Leave some space between trees for light penetration.

• Flank entryways or line residential driveways with willow trees. Allow clearance for pedestrians and vehicles to pass under the canopy.

• Grow smaller potted willows on patios and decks in large containers. This brings the captivating colors up close for impact.

• Plant near ponds or other water features. The trailing branches will sway attractively above the water.

• Use as a garden accent near seating areas or footpaths where the pendulous form can be admired up close.

Common Issues With Willow Trees

When provided with suitable growing conditions and care, pink-flowered willow trees are remarkably resilient and trouble-free. However, there are a few potential problems to watch for:

• Leaf scorch causes browning leaf margins and often results from insufficient watering or high winds. Improve irrigation and protection to resolve.

• Powdery mildew presents as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. Fungicide treatment and proper pruning for air circulation can help manage it.

• Leaf spot leads to dark spots on foliage. Pick off and destroy affected leaves. Improve drainage if excessive moisture is the cause.

• Aphids, sawflies, beetles and other insects may chew on leaves and coat them with honeydew secretions. Wipe leaves or use insecticidal soap sprays to control infestations before they spread.

• Root rot can occur if soils don’t drain properly. Amend soil and avoid overwatering.

• Trunk cankers are wounds that ooze sap and need to be removed. Sterilize tools after pruning out affected areas.

With attentive care focused on disease prevention and prompt treatment, your willow tree will continue growing healthily year after year. Be sure to remove and destroy any fallen branches and leaves in autumn to eliminate overwintering sites for pests and disease.

How to Prune a Willow Tree with Pink Flowers

Pruning is an important part of maintaining your pink willow’s form, controlling size, and encouraging beautiful new growth. Follow these tips for successful pruning:

When to prune

• The optimal time is late winter or early spring before bud break. Avoid pruning in summer or fall.

Tools to use

• Bypass pruning shears for smaller stems
• Loppers for thicker branches
• Pruning saw for old wood greater than 1″ diameter

How to prune

• Remove all dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Sterilize tools after each cut.
• Thin out congested areas and crossing/rubbing branches for improved air flow.
• Reduce extra long shoots back to just above a healthy bud to contain size.
• Cut older branches back to their point of origin or main branch to encourage new growth.
• Eliminate suckers emerging from the root system unless needed to fill a gap.

Renewal pruning

• Every 2-3 years, cut back older branches to the trunk or main scaffold branches. This stimulates fresh growth.

Avoid pruning

• Never remove more than 30% of the canopy at one time, as excessive pruning can stress the tree.
• Don’t prune heavily just after transplanting. Allow it to establish first.
• Avoid pruning late summer through fall, as it may push new growth before dormancy.

How to Propagate Pink Willow Trees from Cuttings

One of the great qualities of the pink willow tree is that it is very easy to propagate from cuttings. Home gardeners can create more trees from existing specimens. Here’s how:

When to take cuttings

• The best time is late winter or early spring before active new growth begins.

Selecting cuttings

• Cut 6-8 inch shoot pieces from the previous season’s growth.
• Choose stems that are healthy, smooth, anddisplay vivid color. Discard any with irregular swelling or damage.

Preparing cuttings

• Use bypass pruners to cut just below a leaf node.
• Remove all but two or three nodes at the top to reduce transpiration.

Rooting cuttings

• Place cut ends into moist potting mix like perlite, vermiculite, or sand.
• Maintain consistent moisture, never allowing the mix to dry out.
• After 6-8 weeks, tug lightly to check for rooted cuttings. Plant into containers once well rooted.

Caring for propagated trees

• Once potted up, care for trees as normal. Slowly transition them to outdoor growing conditions before planting into the landscape.
• Pinch back new shoots to encourage bushy growth.

With this simple propagation method, you can easily multiply new pink-flowered willow trees for free! Share extras with gardening friends.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Willow Trees

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about growing and caring for willow trees with pink flowers:

What are the best pink willow tree varieties?

Some top choices are the Flamingo®, Scarlet Curls®, and Hakuro Nishiki Japanese Dappled willows. All offer vibrant reddish-pink spring leaf colors.

How big do pink flowering willow trees get?

They reach mature heights of 10 to 20 feet tall and spread 10 to 15 feet wide. Prune to control size.

Should I prune my pink willow tree?

Yes, prune annually in late winter to maintain its shape and create fullness. Thin congested areas and renew older branches.

How much sun does a pink willow tree need?

They require full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is essential.

How often do I water a pink willow tree?

Established trees need about 1″-2″ of water per week from rain or irrigation. Water deeply and allow the soil to partly dry between waterings.

What zone are pink willow trees hardy to?

They are cold hardy in zones 5-9 and can withstand winter temperatures down to -10°F once established. Offer protection from wind in zone 5.

How do I stop my pink willow tree from getting leggy?

Improve sunlight exposure and renew old branches to the trunk to encourage full, compact growth.

Why are the leaves turning brown on my pink willow?

Leaf scorch may indicate insufficient watering, disease, or too much wind/sun exposure. Review cultural practices and remedy any issues.

When is the best time to plant a pink weeping willow tree?

Early spring before growth starts is ideal. Or plant in fall 6-8 weeks before first frost so roots establish before winter dormancy.

How fast do pink weeping willow trees grow?

In ideal conditions, they grow up to 2 feet per year. Expect a smaller tree to fill out to maturity within 5 years.

Enjoy the Vibrant Colors of the Pink Willow Tree