Dappled Willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’) is a popular ornamental shrub, cherished for its distinctive pink, white, and green variegated foliage. Its eye-catching foliage adds vibrant color and texture to garden spaces. Propagating Dappled Willow is a cost-effective way to multiply this beautiful shrub, allowing gardeners to expand their landscape or share plants.
When to Propagate
The best time to propagate Dappled Willow depends on the cutting type. Softwood cuttings, new flexible growth, are best taken from late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing and stems are pliable, increasing rooting success. Hardwood cuttings, mature dormant stems, are ideal from late fall to early spring. Taking these during dormancy can lead to higher success rates as the plant’s energy isn’t focused on leaf production. Willows root easily due to naturally occurring auxins, which are growth hormones.
Taking Cuttings
Select healthy, vigorous first-year stems, free of flowers or disease, that are not overly thick or spindly. Use sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife for a clean cut. Cuttings should be 6 to 10 inches long, with the cut made just below a node (a swollen part of the stem where leaves or branches emerge). Remove leaves from the lower 2 to 3 inches of the cutting; this prevents rotting and directs energy towards root development.
Rooting Cuttings
Dappled Willow cuttings root effectively in water or soil. For water rooting, place cuttings into a jar of water, ensuring 2-3 inches of stem are submerged. Place the container in indirect light and change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. Roots can form within a week, appearing as small white spots.
For soil rooting, use a well-draining, sterile potting mix like peat and perlite. Though not strictly necessary due to their natural rooting ability, rooting hormone can encourage faster root development. Insert the bottom 2 to 3 inches of each cutting into the medium, burying at least one node. To create a humid environment and prevent drying, cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome, ensuring leaves don’t touch the plastic. Place potted cuttings in indirect light and maintain consistent moisture, avoiding overwatering.
Planting Rooted Cuttings
Once roots develop, cuttings are ready for transplanting. For water-rooted cuttings, roots will be visibly robust after a few weeks to months. For soil-rooted cuttings, gently tug on a cutting; if it offers resistance, it has likely rooted. Alternatively, roots may become visible through the drainage holes of the pot. Carefully transplant rooted cuttings into individual pots with a well-draining, moisture-retaining potting mix.
Gradually harden off plants that have been in a protected, humid environment. This acclimates them to outdoor conditions by slowly increasing sunlight exposure and reducing humidity over several days or weeks. Once hardened off and well-established in their individual pots, typically after a full growing season, they can be planted outdoors in their permanent location during late summer or early fall.
Ongoing Care for Young Plants
Newly established Dappled Willow plants need consistent moisture. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Young plants benefit from at least six hours of daily sunlight for vibrant foliage and robust growth, though they tolerate partial shade.
Protect young plants from extreme weather, such as harsh winds or scorching sun. Initial pruning helps shape the plant and encourages bushier growth by trimming stems to promote lateral branching, leading to a fuller form.