Plant Profile: Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'

This rapidly growing willow thrives in wet soil conditions. For optimal variegation, it is recommended to prune it back to 8-12 inches annually. In spring, fresh leaves emerge with a pink hue, transitioning to a beautiful mix of pink, creamy white, and green as they mature. The slender, lance-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 4 inches long, are particularly striking from spring through early summer, although they gradually shift to a predominantly green color as the season progresses. In the fall, the stems, especially the new growth in Zones 4-5, take on a vibrant red hue, adding visual interest during the winter months. In warmer winter climates, all stems will display this red coloration, while the trunk remains a consistent gray.