OK, I need your help ... you good with that? Nice.
I am obsessed with my Salix 'Hakuro Nishiki'. I had originally purchased this shrub as a tiny little thing about two years ago. Well, she has grown up significantly this past year:
I am fascinated by the coloration on the leaves and stems and might have taken over 100 photos of this shrub since April.
Here is how it looks currently:
In the beginning of June:
Back in early May:
And in the middle of April:
- The pink leaf color has diminished as the seasons progressed and the temps became warmer.
- The stem color started out much more red and is now more of an orange/brown color.
Ideally, I want to keep this willow in the 4-5 foot range and will need to prune it annually in order to do so.
And I'm OK with that.
But I would still love to get your feedback on what you've experienced with this shrub in the past. So here are my questions:
- Will early spring pruning keep it in that 4-5 foot range?
- Will the regular pruning allow for redder stems each winter?
- Will the regular pruning aid in keeping the pink leaf color?
- Does the pruning impact the creation of catkins in any way? I've yet to see any on my Salix.
- How does she hold up long term? Does regular pruning prolong their beauty over the years.
Fire away!
John
Wow! Lots of questions. It has been my experience with willows in general that they are quick growing and pruning is necessary to keep it at the size you desire. The new growth of Hakuro Nishiki Willow is pink and as it matures, turns green and white. I've not noticed a change in stem coloration but if it is like the dogwoods, pruning means lots of new young stems which in turn means colourful stems. I grew a Hakuro Nishiki willow for a few years and never noticed catkins. I also had an arctic willow which didn't produce catkins in the five or so years it grew in our garden. You'll notice I said had. We just moved so now I get to start anew with a landscape that needs lots of attention and development. I can't wait!!!
ReplyDeleteI have no experience with this Willow, would be curious to see answers from your readers. Sure is a nicely variegated foliage.
ReplyDeleteNo help from me...
ReplyDeleteI bought one 2 years ago, because I shared your same sentiments...
Sad to say....I lost her after one season.. :o(
My neighbour at the lake has one...and I have great envy of it...
Perhaps I should.....no...I won't go there..
Good luck...will check back and see if you get any good tips
Perhaps I will try again next year...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Didn't know it but am so glad I do now!!! Will it grow in zone 6??
ReplyDeleteIn order to keep it that small, you'll soon realize every spring you're going to want to prune to under 10 inches in height every year. The new growth each spring will come in quite pink every spring, along with the red stems you desire. The foliage will still fade to a whitish green, however you may find more winter interest on the stems.
ReplyDeleteCatkins are produced on older wood so you'll likely never see very many, intact with all shrub type willows- unless left to get enoumous (15-20ft) most people rarely see blooms. Cutting back harshly each year will keep the willow rejuvenated- in turn keeping it looking younger longer. Hope that helps
I have pruned mine severely (to the ground) in spring and they grow back rounder and bushier. I actually liked the more open, arching huge shape, so I may not prune them again. If you want the tidier tighter shape, pruning will help.
ReplyDeleteComplete coppicing to the ground did produce pinker coloration on the leaves early on in spring, but by hot summer, the coloration looked just the same as the year I did not prune. Stems don't appear to be any redder with or without pruning. No catkins --- if you prune you won't see any, and I have had none.
I am going to leave mine unpruned from now on, but that's because I want the wild arching tall shape.
I had one of these in tree form and it was beautiful, unfortunately this year it leaved out and was fine for a month or so then the leaves simply dried up, they didn't turn brown and the tree died within a week. I could not figure out why so I had a forester come out and he couldn't figure out what happened either. There were no bugs, the ground was moist enough, no voles or any other obvious cause. I had the tree for about six years and I miss it. Anyone else have the same thing happen?
ReplyDelete