Tri-Color Dappled Willow

The Dappled Willow Shrub typically grows to 5 to 6 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide when left unpruned. It forms a rounded, bushy shape with eye-catching variegated foliage that features shades of pink, white, and green, especially in spring and early summer. With light pruning, it can be easily maintained at a smaller size.

This is a fast-growing shrub, often adding 3 to 5 feet of growth in a single season once established. Its rapid growth makes it a great choice for quick privacy, colorful borders, or seasonal screening.

Plant your Dappled Willow in a location that receives full sun to partial shade—it needs at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily to bring out its signature pink tones. Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. It thrives in USDA Zones 4–9 and does especially well in areas with consistent watering and room to grow.

To create a dense and colorful hedge, plant Dappled Willows 3 to 5 feet apart, measured center to center. For a quicker-fill hedge, aim for closer spacing (around 3 feet). For a more open, natural look, space them a bit wider.

To encourage more vibrant pink coloration:
• Plant in full sun, as sunlight intensifies the pink and white variegation.
• Prune regularly to stimulate fresh growth, which is where the pink tones are most prominent.
• Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy new shoots.

New foliage emerges with strong pink tones, especially in spring and early summer.

Yes, Dappled Willow can be grown in a large container, especially if you’re looking to enjoy its color on a patio or small space:
• Use a pot at least 18–24 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes.
• Fill with moisture-retaining but well-draining potting soil.
• Keep the container in full sun for best color.
• Water frequently, as containers dry out faster than in-ground plantings.

Container-grown willows may stay smaller and benefit from more frequent pruning.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to:
• Remove dead or damaged branches
• Shape the shrub to your desired size
• Encourage new, colorful foliage

You can also give it a light trim in summer to maintain size and renew the pink flush. Regular pruning keeps the plant tidy and promotes better coloration.

This low-maintenance shrub thrives with:
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Prefers consistent moisture; do not let it fully dry out
• Soil: Adaptable but performs best in moist, well-draining soil
• Fertilizer: Feed once in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
• Pruning: Prune in early spring and optionally again in midsummer

It’s cold-hardy, deer-tolerant, and a fast way to add color and texture to your garden.

Dappled Willow is hardy in Zones 4–9 and does not need special winter protection in most climates. However:
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base in late fall to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
• Avoid pruning too late in the season, which may encourage tender new growth before frost.

Container-grown plants should be moved to a protected area or insulated if temperatures drop below your zone’s limits.

Dappled Willows love moisture, especially during the growing season:
• Water 2–3 times per week during hot or dry weather.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year.
• Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but color and growth are best with regular watering.

Container-grown shrubs will need more frequent watering, especially in warm weather.

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