Salix integra' Hakuro-nishiki'
Of all the trees that grace our green spaces, the willow family provides more than its fair share of beauties. Mostly we think of the graceful weeping willows, lining lakes or slow moving rivers, their trailing branches languidly sweeping the grass or the surface of the water. But in fact the weeping willows are only one group within 300 species of deciduous trees and shrubs in the willow family. Sheer size and presence makes this familiar form of the willow family too large to be a practical choice for many gardens. The good news is that willows come in other shapes and sizes. As well as their classic weeping habit, they are grown for their springtime catkins, summer foliage and winter stem colour. Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' is one of the smaller members of the willow family that has the potential to enliven the summer garden and bring interest at other times too.
This is a small tree or large shrub suitable for most gardens, provided they receive fairly plentiful sun. Elegant, with long, slightly drooping branches when it reaches maturity, in its earlier years Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' is enjoyably boisterous. The young branches develop in all directions, creating a starburst of colour and interest. Eventually they start to bend downwards under their own weight. In terms of visual benefits at other times of the year, expect delicate catkins along the stems from early April, quickly followed by pairs of attractively marked, oblong, bright green leaves. Although willows are often associated with waterside situations, 'Hakuro-nishiki' will also thrive on drier soils. Having said that, if you do have a pond or a piece of garden running down to a river or canal, such a place would be an excellent location to plant this tree. Why not think about using it as a specimen with which to establish a new visual focus?