Salix integra, also known as Hakuro Nishiki, Nishiki willow, or Japanese dappled willow, is a deciduous ornamental tree whose compact size makes it an excellent choice for gardens or home landscapes with limited space. Prized for the pink accents to its variegated green and white foliage, salix integra can grow up to 6 feet tall with an equal spread. Salix integra can be grown outdoors successfully in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 5 through 8.

Plant your salix integra tree in a spot in your garden or home landscape that receives between four and eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a planting location that also offers your tree sandy, fertile and well-drained soil. For best results, plant your salix integra at the same level that it was growing in its nursery container.

Water your salix integra tree after planting to thoroughly moisten the surrounding soil. Water the tree regularly during the growing season to encourage your salix integra to form a strong, healthy root system. Stop watering the tree after the first fall frost, but resume your regular irrigation schedule in the spring.

  • Salix integra, also known as Hakuro Nishiki, Nishiki willow, or Japanese dappled willow, is a deciduous ornamental tree whose compact size makes it an excellent choice for gardens or home landscapes with limited space.
  • Water the tree regularly during the growing season to encourage your salix integra to form a strong, healthy root system.

Feed your salix integra tree with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser once each year to promote healthy, vigorous plant growth. Fertilise the tree in the early spring, at the beginning of the growing season, before new growth is observed. Follow the application instructions on your fertiliser package.

Prune your salix integra in the late winter, while the tree is still dormant. Use sharpened and sterilised pruning shears to remove diseased, damaged or dead branches from your tree. Trim the length of the branches back by one-third every two to three years to rejuvenate your tree and encourage healthy growth.

TIP

Salix integra can also be grown as a shrub. When growing salix integra as a shrub, cut the entire shrub down to just 12 inches in height once every three to five years to promote dense, vigorous growth.

WARNING

Salix integra often experiences problems with common insect pests such as aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles and sawfly larvae. Consult your local agricultural extension office for treatment advice.