Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' (Willow)

Common name: Dappled willow

Description: Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' is one of the most visually arresting ornamental shrubs for the British garden, producing a spectacular flush of spring foliage in a vivid combination of white, cream, and soft pink variegation so intense that the whole plant appears, at a distance, to be in extravagant flower. As the season progresses the leaves settle into an attractive mottled green and white, retaining a luminous quality through summer, while the coral-pink to orange-red young stems provide warmth and colour in winter. Most commonly grown as a standard or lollipop, it responds very well to annual hard pruning which encourages the most vividly coloured new growth.

Other benefits: spectacular spring foliage, ornamental winter stems, responds well to annual pruning, versatile as standard or shrub, suits contemporary and Japanese-inspired garden styles

Wildlife attraction: early-season bees and other pollinators are attracted to the catkins in spring

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.5m x 1.5m as a pruned standard

Position: full sun to partial shade; best variegation colour in full sun; tolerates moist and clay soils

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid; adaptable to a wide range of soils including heavy, wet clay

Moisture: moderate to generous; tolerates and thrives in moist to reliably damp soils; suitable near water features

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to approximately -20°C