A little over two years ago, I created a masterpiece post about Salix Hakuro Nishiki (Dappled Willow) and my new found love of this shrub. I was immediately taken by the variegation of the leaves with its mix of pink, white and green hues. Not to mention the appeal of it’s fast growth rate and love of wet soil.
At the time, I wondered aloud about how best to prune it and when. I had quickly realized it could wear out its welcome in it current location yet I enjoyed having something substantial in my relatively young garden. I also wanted to determine the best way to maximize the variegation and stem color. How was one to deal with such a life altering dilemma?
Fast forward to this past spring and I had yet to touch it.
And she looked damn good.
Upon closer inspection, I even had catkins growing for the first time. Small and delicate in nature and a nice added bonus to its spring appeal.
And that fantastic Salix Hakuro Nishiki leaf color was still in play as the spring progressed.
The sight of the back lit leaves with the late afternoon sun grabbed my eye every time I gazed out on to my deck.
But as you will see in the following pics, homegirl finally outgrew her spot.
So now the time has finally arrived to prune Salix Hakuro Nishiki back hard in late winter 2015. I’m thinking a severe pruning down to about a foot hoping that by season’s end, this willow will recover to a size of about 4′ x 4′.
I’m also hoping to continue to have the appealing red winter stems I’ve seen on this willow with the current season’s growth.
More to come in 2015.