Dappled Willow Tree Form

Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'

Nature Hills Nursery

Grafted Tree-Form Creates Instant Focal Point with Weeping Canopy and Spring Pink Variegation
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 7-10 ft Tall, 4-6 ft Wide
Stunning Red Fall Foliage
Showy Yellow Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring

$44⁹⁸

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Plant Size

#1 Container 1-2 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Full sun is best for the brightest pink and white leaf tips, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily. While it handles partial shade well, the foliage colors will be more muted and look mostly green without sufficient sun.
Soil: This willow loves moist, well-draining soil but is famously tolerant of wet spots where other trees might struggle. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting to help roots spread, or use a raised mound to improve drainage in boggy areas.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide deep watering twice a week to help the root system anchor itself. Once mature, the Dappled Willow is surprisingly resilient, but it will shed leaves or show crispy brown edges if the soil dries out completely. For the most vibrant "dappled" look, keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge, especially during the heat of July and August.

Pruning Tips

This tree form blooms and produces its best color on new wood, so a hard pruning in late winter or very early spring is essential. Think of it like a refreshing haircut: cutting the branches back by about one third encourages a flush of vigorous, brightly colored new growth. If the head of the tree becomes too dense in midsummer, you can do a light "haircut" to tidy the shape and spark a second round of pink-tipped leaves.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this forces soft new growth that won't have time to "harden off" before the first frost, leading to winter tip-kill. A single application of an all-purpose garden food provides all the fuel needed for that signature spring color.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Wet Soils, Flowering, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	7-10 ft
Width	4-6 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Willow
Botanical Name	Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'
Species	integra
Cultivar	Hakuro Nishiki
Class	Fagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Colorful Willow Shrub Tree-Form!

In search of a beautiful, easy-care, colorful focal point for your landscape? It doesn't get much easier than our specialty Dappled Willow Tree Form (Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki') carefully crafted by our expert growers.

These incredible grafted shrubs are expertly trained atop single-stem standard trunks and easily retain a rounded canopy. The leaves unfurl from the buds in spring in a variegated mix of cream, green, and pink colors and mature into rich green.

All season long, Dappled Willows showcase their fine texture and loose and graceful, slightly weeping form. Watch as breezes lift and sway through your dynamic new tree-form accent. Even as the leaves drop in autumn, it offers stunning red stems to appreciate!

Landscape Application:

Gift yourself an outdoor garden room accent, and decorate with a specimen Dappled Willow Tree Form (or three). You'll have four seasons of interest and add in a layer of soft, white noise as the wind rustles through the leaves.

Use a pair flanking on either side of your front door for a big boost of curb appeal! Either in matching pots or in the ground! No one can ignore a Dappled Willow and seeing these colorful plants elevated atop tall trunks, they sure add a sprightly charm to staidly mature foundation plantings!

Try a row along your patio, or alternate with the shrub form for a coordinated modern feature. Stick with an odd number of the tree form looks best. Measure anywhere from five to eight feet apart from trunk to trunk.

Contrast them with the rigid forms of Adam's Needle Yucca and Sky Pencil Holly for a thought-provoking partnership! Create a new raised bed on the sunny side of your old Douglas Fir tree. The coral-red winter stems will jazz up any evergreen tree or shrub!

Red Stems & Cream, Green & Pink Foliage
Fine-Textured Foliage Matures Deep Green
Round Canopy Atop A Straight Standard Trunk
Showy Accents & Container Focal Points
Gorgeous Specimen Grafted Trees

#ProPlantTips for Care

Dappled Willow trees are easily grown in full sun or in partial shade, appreciating afternoon shade in hotter growing zones. Give it at least four hours of direct sunlight for best results. Like all Willows, Dappled Willow thrives in moist soil. However, once your plants are established, they will tolerate drier and well-drained soils better than most other Willows.

As they establish themselves in your yard in the first year or two, make sure they receive consistent watering. This will encourage deep root systems; as will Nature Hills Root Booster added to the planting hole.

Prune the canopy to any size and clean up the trunk as needed in early spring. Extend the beautiful new growth coloration by cutting out the longest, oldest stems through the season. Keep them pruned into tight "lollipops" or let them be free and natural.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Adaptable To Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune In Late Winter
Very Fast & Easy To Grow

You might be tempted to refer to this unique tree-form as a wild nickname, like the Dr. Suessian "The Lorax" and dress it up for the holidays! Hurry and order your own Dappled Willow Tree Form today at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Dappled Willow Tree Form suitable for?

Dappled Willow Tree Form thrives in USDA zones 4-9, handling both cold winters and warm summers well. This hardy willow adapts to various climates while maintaining its colorful foliage display. Check your specific zone to ensure proper winter protection in borderline areas.

How tall and wide will this Dappled Willow grow at maturity?

Dappled Willow Tree Form typically reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. The grafted standard trunk keeps it more compact than the shrub form while maintaining that graceful, slightly weeping canopy. Space them 5-8 feet apart for best results when planting multiples.

Does the Dappled Willow Tree Form prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Dappled Willow Tree Form thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. While it adapts to some shade, you'll get the best leaf coloration and compact growth in locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant in a sunny spot for optimal pink, cream, and green variegation.

How often should I water my newly planted Dappled Willow Tree Form?

Water newly planted Dappled Willow Tree Forms daily for the first week, then 2-3 times weekly for the first month. These willows prefer consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil. Check soil 2 inches down and water when it feels dry to the touch.

How fast does the Dappled Willow Tree Form typically grow per year?

Dappled Willow Tree Form grows 2-3 feet per year once established. This fast growth rate makes it an excellent choice for quickly filling space in your landscape design. Space trees 5-8 feet apart from trunk to trunk for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Is the Dappled Willow Tree Form deer resistant?

Dappled Willows are not typically deer resistant, as deer often browse willows when other food sources are scarce. The colorful foliage and tender growth make them appealing to deer. Consider using deer repellent sprays or physical barriers if deer are common in your area.

What plants make good companions to plant near the Dappled Willow Tree Form?

Dappled Willow Tree Form pairs beautifully with plants that contrast its soft, weeping texture. Try rigid forms like Adam's Needle Yucca or Sky Pencil Holly for striking contrast. Plant companions 5-8 feet apart from the willow's trunk for proper spacing.

Will the Dappled Willow Tree Form survive in wet or poorly draining soil?

Dappled Willows naturally thrive in moist to wet conditions and tolerate poor drainage well. As members of the willow family, they actually prefer consistent moisture and can handle soggy areas where other trees struggle. Plant in your wettest spots for best results.

Dappled Willow Tree Form

Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'