August Shrub of the Month-Dapple Willow
Look at the photo above…A soft spring breeze whispering through those pretty branches is like seeing a supermodel with her hair blowing in the breeze for a shampoo ad.
The dapple willow, Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’, has been the cause of love at first sight more than any other shrub I know. Just one glance at those pink, white, and green variegated leaves and some plant-geeks are goners. Even more folks fall head over heels when they see one in standard form, otherwise known as a “lollipop.”
But like a narcissistic selfie-fanatic, the dapple willow can be high-maintenance, or it will eventually get out of shape and unruly. That cute little cotton-candy lollipop needs extensive pruning to keep its shape and size intact. Willows are known for their quick growth to surprising sizes, and the dapple willow is no exception, reaching 20’ tall and wide within a few years in the right conditions, contrary to what other sources say.
Full sun is preferred, but a little afternoon shade helps protect the variegated leaves from scorching in hot St. Louis summers. Low, wet areas are no problem for the dapple willow, and it does best with medium to moist soils.
Catkins appear in spring, but are not showy; this is a foliage plant that, with the right placement, can be beautiful; in the rear of a border, to help screen your neighbor’s trash cans or hide sewer drains-making sure to leave enough room for access. Great for erosion control if left to its own devices, or as a specimen plant-only if you have time to keep it pruned and in check.
What I love about this plant:
-Beautiful foliage.
-Great for floral arrangements.
-Tolerates wet areas.
– Salt-tolerant.
-Black walnut tolerant.
-Standards (Lollipops) are available for design options.
What’s not so great:
–Will get huge if left unpruned.
-Super high-maintenance if retaining size on a standard.
-Leaves can get scorched in full sun.
-Variegation can fade, especially in late summer or fall.
– Blights, crown gall, powdery mildew, leaf spots, scab, rust, and cankers can be common, as well as aphids, scale, borers, lace bugs, beetles, and caterpillars.
-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2026, All rights reserved.
