Dappled Willow Spring Color, One Year After Coppicing

[@TheYogina]

WOW did those babies come out nicely! You have the best videos. You're definitely one of my favorite garden people on line.

[@GardenSanity]

You are so kind - thank you! 😊 Yes, I’m thrilled with how the Dappled Willow turned out. I was determined to tame them, after they grew so out of control, in part due to my letting them get that way. Hopefully other gardeners can learn from my mistakes! 🙂

[@d.wilbur5164]

They are stunning! Thanks to you, I've added two dappled willows to my garden!

[@GardenSanity]

I'm so happy to read this! Make sure they get lots of water to get established and they'll do just fine! Did you just add them this season?

[@d.wilbur5164]

@@GardenSanity I added them a couple of weeks ago. Can't wait for a show of pink in the spring!

[@GardenSanity]

That’s wonderful! Please keep me posted! 🌸🌱

[@jacquelinenelson6908]

I’m so grateful for your video! I had no idea what this tree was in my garden and now I know and I’m definitely going to coppice since it hasn’t been cut in 10 plus years!

[@GardenSanity]

Whoo-hoo I'm so happy my video helped you identify your Dappled Willow Jacqueline! 😀 10 plus years is a long time, so I'm sure the Dappled Willow will appreciate the pruning -- and so will you! 👍 Please keep me posted!

[@nancyboston201]

Thank you, I wasn’t sure when to prune them. Your’s are beautiful.

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome Nancy! Glad to help, and I have an entire playlist all about my experience with Dappled Willow, in case you're interested in learning more! Here's the link: kzbin.info/aero/PLenOueHl62OwhvBhPnb7Ne0TOkOxt-rhv&si=2nIyN5Cr49Twy_r9 😀 🌿

[@nancyboston201]

I trimmed my dappled willow and made a couple of small harlequin willow trees from them, it’s an experiment that I hope grows. I will look at your other videos. I do enjoy your videos.

[@GardenSanity]

@@nancyboston201 Wow Nancy, that sounds really unique! Please let me know how they do as they grow. 😀

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

I just loved this so much and I have great news!!!!! My dappled willow started pushing out pink leaves yayyyy!!!! All thanks to you and the great advice you always give so thank you and pleaseeeee do more videos…… I just can’t get enough!! Yes, just like the song 😂😂😂. Have a wonderful day 🌷🌷🌷

[@GardenSanity]

Hooray for the pink leaves, Chris! 🌱💕 That’s great news after the cold weather you’ve had. More videos are on the way! 👍

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

Hooray to YOU for showing me these amazing plants!!!! The deer better not touch them because they will get sprayed every 3-4 days if necessary. They coppiced the one I had in the back yard really well 🤣🤣🤣. It is growing though thankfully. Thank you for this video and for being a true ray of sunshine by bringing so much joy and I know I’m not the only one loving your videos so I speak for all of us 😁 🌷🌷🌷🌷 cannot wait for the next one!

[@GardenSanity]

@@chrismarchetti-olson6632 😊 💛

[@minisinthehallshorts]

Hi Laura! it's Rachel Olson. I can't believe I missed this video. I had really been waiting to see your Dappled Willow progress. I was sure I had subscribed and hit the notification bell, but I guess I hadn't:) Thank you for this video, what an inspiration. Your dappled willows look AMAZING! It's really encouraging to see how quickly they grow back.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Rachel, and thanks! 😀 I'm thrilled with how the Dappled Willow look right now, and just so you know: even though they're planted in a moist spot, I still had to do supplemental watering twice so far (already!!!) this season due to the early heat waves! How are yours looking?

[@minisinthehallshorts]

@@GardenSanity Hi Laura, my Dappled Willows are doing great! Remember I took out all the dry leaves, but left the branches. And guess what, new little leaves are growing back. I'm so excited! Thank you again for all your help, it was very kind of you to take the time to solve my problem. I will send you pictures ASAP.😄👍

[@GardenSanity]

Whoo hoo! I’m so happy to read this Rachel! Looking forward to seeing new pictures! 👍🌱

[@Change4Good333]

Thank you so much for your video. One question, please. How and with what you fertilize it? Thank you again!💗

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Change4Good - I use Plant-tone by Espoma. It’s a general slow-release, organic fertilizer that improves the soil over time as well as helps feed the Dappled Willow. 🌿 I hope this helps, and that you can find it or something similar in Canada. 🙂🌿

[@SnappyR]

Love your channel - I have two Dappled Willows and I can't find the tag, but I'm sure it said they get as big as a tree (15-20ft Zone 7B). If you limb yours up or don't prune them at all, will they get that big? Mine are still pretty small but look beautiful like yours...Thanks🙂

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks Snappy! 😀 Yes they will get that big...and could possibly become a problem. Check out my "The Truth About Dappled Willow" video, which is the first video in my Dappled Willow Playlist. (The link is above in the description area.) In that video, I show you exactly what happened to our living wall of Dappled Willow. It was a huge lesson learned. So yes, you "can" grow them into trees, but there are ways to be smart about it...unlike me the first time around! 🤣 The second video shows us cutting them to the ground...and there were some giant tree trunk-sized branches! I hope this helps! And I'm glad to hear yours are looking beautiful! 👍

[@willaerley7140]

It’s interesting. My DW had a large limb damaged by wind and now it has a limbed up look from the side. It actually looks pretty good, but I think it’d be hard to keep it from filling back in.

[@GardenSanity]

That IS interesting, Will. You would have to be diligent with removing any new growth on that limb to turn it into a tree. It’s possible! 🙂

[@brianbakowski1000]

This is great! My husband d is so reluctant to prune them.. How long will it take if 8n water to pot up and then plant in earth bed?

[@GardenSanity]

It can seem VERY daunting to do such a major pruning on Dappled Willow. But I hope I'm proof that it works and you'll be much happier! (And so will your husband!) 😄 As for your second question, you'll find the best answers if you watching my "Propagating Dappled Willow from Cuttings" video. I discuss Dappled Willow cuttings in water versus soil -- and then when to plant them into the garden. In fact, it's on my own to-do list to plant one of my cuttings into my line of shrubs soon, as I mentioned in this video above, so stay tuned as that will be a future video too! 🌱

[@daniellebeach690]

Is it appropriate to plant these as far away from your fence as from each other? So, 4 - 6 feet apart and 4 - 6 feet from the fence? I want privacy from my neighbors, but not to lose too much of my yard. But most importantly, I want my beautiful new plants to be healthy like yours! They are lovely!!

[@GardenSanity]

Good questions Danielle! I usually suggest planting these 6 feet apart from each other, and only closer together if you don't mind having to prune them more, since they will eventually fill in and grow into each other. Some of mine are planted closer than that -- rookie mistake I made years and years ago -- and I pay for it each year when they fill in. Since I cut them down and they grew back, it's been more manageable and I hope to keep it that way by not letting them get out of control. 🤞 As for how far from our fence: We planted ours only 3 feet from our fence. At the time, with such small plants, it seemed like more than enough space. However, as you may have seen in this video, I point out how quickly some of the growth returns even after pruning in March -- especially with the stems leaning on the back of the fence. However, I don't mind tidying up that area because just like you -- I'm glad we didn't lose that much of our yard otherwise. I hope this helps? 😊

[@jordanwenzlaff3321]

I have one of these in bush form in front of my home, it was here when I purchased the home last year. It was a little cold during April, and the bush appears to have lost its buds in the middle of the branches - the very base near the ground sprouted, and the upper half to 2/3rds have as well, but the middle to bottom third have no new growth. Should I coppice the plant down to a couple feet tall this spring? Or was it just because of a cool spring that may have chilled the buds off the middle of the tree? The bush has to be at least a couple years old. The existing old growth branches are a couple inches thick and the bush is about 7ft tall at the moment. One last question - It has been VERY hot and sunny and it is in full sun. The tree appears to be getting a little burned, especially in the white bits of the leaves. I have been watering it most days by leaving the sprayer on for about 5 minutes and I haven't seen it stop yellowing. Does it need more water than that even if it is in a mulched bed?

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Jordan, If you don't see new buds on those lower branches by late Winter, then yes I agree with you to coppice the plant to a couple of feet tall in the early Spring. That's what I would do. The weather seems to be doing funny things to many plants this year -- I've heard all kinds of crazy things, so hang in there! 😀 As for the tips of leaves turning brown -- I'm having that too this year -- and haven't had to really deal with it previously except for one or two leaves. This year it's been a lot -- and yes, I plan on doing a video about it soon! 👍 The leaves are most fragile on the ends, and in many cases are the pale pink or creamy white leaves this happens to. While we think of white as usually reflecting the sun, in the case of leaves that aren't green, they can be more susceptible to getting burned, unfortunately. Trim those leaves off -- I know it is a pain if there are many of them, because I'm doing the same thing little by little -- and try and use a soaker hose or just water at the base of the plants instead of any overhead watering. Also try and water less than you have been to see if that helps cut down on the yellowing leaves. In my experience, yellowing leaves are usually a sign they need more water -- however, some experts advise it could mean there's too much water. I know: confusing at best! That's great you have mulch around the base, as that definitely helps retain the moisture that Dappled Willow love. 👍 Please keep me posted!

[@geemer3374]

Hi Laura, i bought a couple of dappled willow and was wondering how far apart would I need to space them so that I minimize pruning to once per season. Thank you

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Gee, the usual spacing suggestion is to plant them six feet apart -- either from each other or from other plants in the garden. However, even with that, you may end up pruning them a bit during the season if they begin growing "into" each other more than you would prefer. If it was me and I wanted to minimize pruning, I'd probably plant them at least 8 feet apart. I hope this helps!

[@willaerley7140]

My cuttings are forming roots, already. Do you think I can pot them in soil this year?

[@GardenSanity]

Definitely! The ones I potted up last year - that I showed in my “propagating” video - are doing well almost a year later. I’ll do a video on them soon. At least one looks like a candidate to try and grow into a tree form, like a standard. 🌱🪴

[@jimalexander8542]

We have a Dappled Willow tree that is getting difficult to maintain its height and there are many dead branches at lowest part of canopy. Would cutting canopy off at trunk allow tree to regrow as previously?

[@GardenSanity]

Great questions Jim! Sounds like you want to coppice your Dappled Willow tree. However, the first question of mine is: What does your current tree look like? Is it one stem with all the growth at the top, like what's called a lolli-pop shape? Or is your tree more shrubby with a few main trunks/stems coming up from the ground? It also depends if your tree is grafted or not. Let me know the answers to these questions of mine, and I can help your further. 👍🙂

[@jimalexander8542]

@@GardenSanity It is a tree with 1 6+" trunk and I try to keep it a lollypop shape. I do not know if it is grafted or not. photos.app.goo.gl/coLv7AyRZEzguqFj8 photos.app.goo.gl/XkZhn6xYsrgy1KZB8

[@hiyacynthia]

I just bought one! How much sun do these shrubs need?

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Rama - Dappled Willow need full sun or partial shade. The best color is produced in full sun. You can read all about the growing requirements to get your Dappled Willow off to a good start in my guide that is linked in the description area above, as well as by watching the other videos in my Dappled Willow video playlist. I hope these resources help, and enjoy your new shrub! 🌱👍

[@bhadz100]

Question what is the recommended spacing for the bushes?

[@GardenSanity]

If you scroll up to the Description Box below the video, you'll find a link to my Complete Guide to Dappled Willow -- with spacing, growing requirements, etc. 👍😄

[@bhadz100]

Thanks now I have an issue with rabbits munching on them!!! How do you repel them

[@GardenSanity]

@@bhadz100 The two products that work for me -- and I use them interchangeably -- are Bonide Repels-All and I Must Garden Rabbit Repellent. I've got a video all about rabbit repellent options here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aou9dIh_a8mBh7M Hope it helps you!

[@kingjames9564]

I planted my dappled willows last summer and ended up planting two of them about 4ft apart. Do you think that they will be ok being that close together?

[@romalvick942]

Also do they like a lot of water

[@GardenSanity]

See my other reply to you where I answered this question as well as your question about sunlight. 👍

[@romalvick942]

How much sunlight should it get? I just purchased a small tree but it’s been raining a lot and now all the leaves are turning brown 😢

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Romal -- Full sun to partial shade is best for Dappled Willow -- with the best variegated leaf color happening in full sun. I discuss leaves turning yellow versus leaves turning brown in this video above at minute 9:05 so hopefully you saw that. Brown leaves means the shrub/tree needs more water. As for your other question you asked about water... Don't let the soil completely dry out, as Dappled Willow loves water. Moist soil is best. For newly planted Dappled Willows, they need a lot of water, even if it rains, as it will take some time for the root ball (for a newly planted small tree) or the roots (for a newly planted shrub) to get established and push out into the surrounding soil. In terms of how to care for them -- I hope my free Dappled Willow guide is helpful to you -- just look above in the Description area, where I link to the free guide which is on my website. I also have an in-depth playlist on Dappled Willow which includes several videos about them. It's a lot to watch and read, but hopefully these resources can assist you in taking care of your new tree. 👍

[@MK-wu1iw]

Mine have never looked full and I’m not sure why

[@GardenSanity]

Hi, you mentioned in another video comment that yours haven't grown very much, and now you've given me another clue saying they aren't very full. How do they look in the Spring? Do they get the wonderful pink color on them all over? Are they in full sun, which provides the best color and growth? They love water and they need fertilizer -- a slow-release organic fertilizer is best versus chemical quick-fix fertilizers. Do they have mulch around them to protect the soil and keep moisture in? These are all checklist items so I can hopefully help you figure out what to try differently this year . . .

[@taylorhart4979]

I have been told “willow” means water loving.. do you have to have lots of water for them to thrive?

[@GardenSanity]

You are correct Taylor! 👍 Dappled Willow loves water, and does best with a good amount of it. I purposely planted ours in a wet area of our backyard, so we rarely need to give it supplemental water. However, last Summer during a heat wave with no rain, out came the hose! 💦🙂

[@willaerley7140]

I wouldn’t worry too much about watering, especially after the roots are established. I’ve never ever watered mine even during the worst drought and it’s always been fine.

[@GardenSanity]

Wow Will - your Dappled Willows must have reached down to a good source of moisture underground! 😀 You’re right that once established, these shrubs seem to do fine. But yours almost sound like drought-tolerant shrubs! You’re lucky!

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

Murder mysteries in the middle of the night is this a deciduous shrub?

[@GardenSanity]

Yes this is a deciduous shrub. 👍

[@lighthope3519]

I just planted sevearl dappled willows,small ones, yesterday I found 3 of them was eaten by unknown animals, twigs are on the ground, so strange, deers should not eat them, I DO NOT know, maybe squirrells

[@GardenSanity]

Not sure if caught minute 4:23 of this video, but that's where I discuss what can eat my own Dappled Willow: rabbits! And I've heard this from many gardeners who grow Dappled Willow. Rabbits munch on the lower stems of my Dappled Willow, and I've seen deer "prune" Dappled Willow at my own parents' property. (And other gardeners have mentioned deer as well as a culprit. 😬 Also, at least for me, we have way too many squirrels and I've never seen them touch our shrubs. (Although nothing would surprise me!) So, especially while your shrubs are young and small, use some deer and rabbit repellents around them. I've got a "rabbit repellent" video on this channel where I share quite a few options you can try. My own preference is to use a combination of products (as I explain much more in that video) where the deer and rabbits don't get used to just one scent. I hope that video helps you protect your new shrubs. Keep me posted!

[@lighthope3519]

@@GardenSanity thank you for your detailed reply!!

[@GardenSanity]

You’re welcome! Glad to help!

[@lindaplaidduck]

Your videos are lovely - but, and it's a big BUT - 12 s-l-o-w talking minutes saying the same exact thing! 🤦‍♀️Yes, it's safe to coppice them, they grow back vigorously with beautiful dappled pink leaves... a few video angles and done!! 12 minutes? No!!!

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Linda! Thanks so much for your feedback! 👍 I'm sorry that the video seemed slow to you, but I had a lot of info to share. I showed the coppicing history versus what they look like at present; their current size; not to fear pruning back hard; showed a new cutting planted and what it looks like 3 years later; showed the cream color and how it changes on each shrub, with the last shrub having the most pink color; showed examples of height and width; showed one shrub with extreme dieback; showed how much they fill into each other quickly even once pruned in Spring; briefly shared the frost situation on my Magnolia Jane tree; discussed yellowing leaves on Dappled Willow and what they mean versus brown tips; and finally showed the back of the shrubs against the fence and needing to cut back again for good airflow. And then I showed a final shot of all of the shrubs. 😀 So it may not have seemed like much to you except me saying the same exact thing, but there was more substance there. (And yes, I admit -- and some of my regular viewers tease me -- how I love to say when something is so pretty!) 🤣 In 90% of my videos, I use Chapter links so viewers can always jump directly to a section they want to see right away, but I didn't do it in this one. Also, you can always speed up the recording to watch it "faster" if that helps too. Happy gardening and thanks again for your comment! 🌿 💛