Salix integra

Dappled willow, sold as 'Hakuro-nishiki' or 'Flamingo', is the ornamental willow grown for its foliage rather than its form: the new growth emerges in shades of white, pink, and pale green, creating a pastel, confetti-like effect that brightens any border. It is typically grown as a multi-stemmed shrub four to six feet tall, or grafted onto a standard to create a small lollipop tree. Native to Japan and Korea, it is one of the most colorful foliage shrubs in the deciduous palette.

In Western Washington, dappled willow performs best in full sun with consistently moist soil. The colorful new growth is most vivid in spring and on the most recent growth, so hard pruning in late winter encourages the freshest, most colorful stems. Without pruning, the plant becomes green and unremarkable. Several diseases and pests are tracked, including willow leaf beetle and rust. The root system, like all willows, seeks moisture aggressively, plant it where roots will not invade infrastructure. For a bright, colorful foliage shrub in a moist, sunny site where annual pruning is part of the routine, dappled willow delivers a unique color effect.