Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' (Willow)

Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki'

Common name: Dappled Willow, Flamingo Willow

Description: This exquisite ornamental willow is prized for its stunning variegated foliage that creates a show-stopping display from spring through autumn. The new growth emerges in brilliant shades of pink, cream, and white, creating a spectacular multi-coloured effect that resembles flamingo feathers. As the season progresses, the mature leaves settle into an attractive combination of green, cream, and white variegation whilst maintaining pink tints at the growing tips. The slender, graceful leaves create soft texture on elegant arching stems. This willow is typically grown as a small shrub or can be trained as a standard on a clear stem, creating a lollipop-shaped feature. The compact size and manageable growth make it perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or containers where its exceptional foliage colour can be appreciated throughout the growing season.

Other benefits: spectacular pink and white variegated foliage, compact habit suitable for small gardens, excellent in containers, can be grown as standard or shrub, easy to maintain with annual pruning

Wildlife attraction: bees, pollinators, shelter for beneficial insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.5m x 1.5m (as shrub); standards vary by stem height

Position: full sun to partial shade; best foliage colour in full sun but benefits from some afternoon shade in hot conditions

Soil pH: adaptable; grows well in neutral to slightly alkaline soils

Moisture: moderate to high watering; prefers consistently moist soil; less drought tolerant than some willows

Winter hardiness: hardy to -15°C; may suffer some dieback in harsh winters but regenerates readily