Not only does it have the nickname willow, it is also a real feast for the eyes. We're talking about the harlequin willow. Here everything about the easy-care deciduous tree.
With its low height, the harlequin willow fits into any garden and can even be planted in the front yard as a small deciduous shrub. The standard tree and shrub eventually reach a maximum height of three meters.
- Family: willow family
- Genus: Willows / Salix
- Type: integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'
- Botanical name: Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'
- Growth: 120 - 200 cm
- Growth: 150 - 300 cm
The harlequin willow also has another special feature: it is the flat roots. This makes the willow species ideal for planting over underground car parks or water pipes. Even where meter-deep roots tend to be out of place.
Appearance and genus of Harlequin willow
As mentioned, the harlequin willow is available as a shrub and as a standard. The undemanding plant originally comes from East Asia and is also known as Japanese ornamental willow or variegated willow. The harlequin willow is a variegated variety. Variegated means that different colored zones appear on leaves. The ornamental willow is an extraordinary sight with initially white, then pink young shoots and multicolored foliage.
Older leaves are mottled dark green and white and are oblong in shape. After flowering, capsule fruits form, which are about two to three millimeters in size. In the fall, the willow sheds all of its leaves. It grows spherically with flexible, sometimes overhanging shoots. The clear stem is not an independent species, the harlequin willow is simply grafted onto other willow species.
Location and soil conditions
A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal for the harlequin willow. It doesn't need a windbreak, but it doesn't mind the protection of a house wall either. The easy-care plant makes no special demands on the soil. A light, slightly sandy and well-drained soil is optimal.
Care measures and prevention against pests and diseases
Water & fertilize:
Water is important to the Harlequin Pasture. Especially after it has been planted, it must be watered regularly and plentifully. Fertilizing once a year is also announced. Best at the time of sprouting with a complete fertilizer. In the case of weaker trees and shrubs, you can fertilize again by August at the latest, but in no case directly before winter dormancy, otherwise you will stimulate the plant to grow prematurely.
Cut:
Like all ornamental willows, the harlequin willow needs regular pruning and thinning out so that it does not become overgrown and retains its beautiful shape. The right time to prune is late fall or early spring on a frost-free day. Sick, old, dead and very close together branches are then completely removed. Important: no stubs should remain on the trunk. You should shorten the he althy branches by two thirds. You will soon see colorful flowers and leaves on young branches and new shoots.
Pests and Diseases:
The harlequin willow is relatively insensitive to diseases and pests. However, the tips of the leaves can turn brown. Possible reasons are too much sun (sunburn), too little water or too much or too little fertilizer. Eliminate the causes and these symptoms will disappear again.