Dappled Willow

About this plant

The Dappled Willow, also known as Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki', is a captivating deciduous shrub prized for its exceptional variegated foliage. New growth emerges in an exciting display of pink, white, and green, creating a dappled effect that adds unique visual interest to any garden. As the seasons progress, the pink tones soften, and the leaves mature to a cheerful green and white, maintaining its bright presence throughout the growing season. In winter, its striking coral-red stems provide significant cold-weather appeal, ensuring year-round beauty. Perfect for use as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or along water features, the Dappled Willow offers a refined yet playful touch to contemporary and traditional designs alike.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Dappled Willow is relatively low-maintenance. Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new, colorful growth and to maintain its desired shape. It can be coppiced annually for the most intense stem color. Protect from strong winds.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.