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Do Nishiki (tri-color) Willow love water?

13 years ago

Hi,

There is a swale in my backyard that runs across the entire way. When it rains, it's like a 3ft river back there. My landscaper suggested planting a willow tree because it loves to drink a lot of water and will help keep my swale from being TOO much of a river. I'm concerned about the size of the tree and the roots that come with a big tree because there is a sewer easement/drain at the edges of my property.

Do Nishiki Willows also love wet areas? I'm hoping I can plant them instead.

Thanks,

Michelle

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Comments (5)

whaas_5a
13 years ago
They prefer average to wet conditions. They can also tolerate some standing water.
calliope
13 years ago
I have mine planted in an area where there is standing water only on an intermittent basis. They do not tolerate consistently wet situations. I also have the old fashioned pussy willow growing nearby planted in my bog garden where it does get more water. Both are thriving. I grow the shrub form of the dappled willow however. It has relatively conservative root systems for a willow.

Be aware that Hashuro Nashiki in tree form is a grafted plant. The stock onto which it is grafted will probably be a willow with more aggressive roots, although likely less aggressive and water seeking than some other willow trees.

I find a lot of conflicting information on this particular plant. There are plants to fit all situations, but sounds to me like you might want to consider a more permanent solution such as a grade change or tiles.
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mori1
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Yes they love water but you might want try to fix the area first. I have an area that floods when we get a lot of rain. I have added bags and bags of dirt and planted moisture loving plants which have really helped. There are still some spots that need a little more work. In your case I would do some research to see what would work best in your situation.
User
13 years ago
Michelle,
Fix the problem first.
Don't buy a willow tree, your first reaction is correct.
There are some reasons and places for willows, but not in your situation.
This is just a suggestion, how about some hughe rocks?
Lots of them, scattered to slow the flow of the water down a little during a real heavy rain.
Research under Google the term rain garden, and see what comes up. You will be impressed by what some people are doing with your same problem.
Good Luck!
prairiegirlz5
13 years ago
I have a beautiful Hakuro Nishiki dappled willow. My plant is a shrub form, grown as a tree. I have been removing the foliage from the lower limbs in order to get that tree effect, leaving the tops of the branches full and weepy. I love the slender leaves, and frosty color, which sets off a pale peach, blue and white color scheme in summer, with a froth of calamint and a fluffy geranium ('Rozanne') edging the bed.

But this willow has truly four-season interest! It wakes up early in spring, dripping catkins. Then the leaves unfurl; the best pink flushes in the leaves happen now. The leaves turn yellow in fall, a nice contrast to the reddish foliage of the geraniums, and the purple foliage of eupatorium 'Chocolate'. The stem color is a coral red in winter, especially on the ends of new stems. Looks great with the fading blooms of Sundown and Summer Sky echinacea.

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