Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Japanese Willow is a darling shrub that is colorful during the warmer months. Delicate catkins bloom during the spring. The flowers are complemented by the pink oblong foliage that gradually turns and includes green and cream hues for a striking tri-color mottled appearance. The vegetation of the Salix integra Hakaro Nishiki will turn yellow in the fall before dropping for the season. During the winter, the exposed branches turn red for an unexpected pop of color.
This deciduous plant has a central trunk. The branches have a naturally rounded growth habit. Use this plant to add height and colorful visual interest to a bed, border, mass planting, or landscape. Japanese Willow grows as a perennial in USDA, growing zones 4 through 8.
Japanese Willow Care
Plant in full to partial sun. The Japanese Willow can handle damp conditions, but it does not like wet feet, so use moist but well-drained soil. The soil should be rich and slightly acidic to alkaline. Keep the soil consistently damp and avoid letting it dry out. Feed the Japanese Willow each spring using a balanced fertilizer.
This plant can grow rather large, but regular pruning will maintain the shape while also encouraging more colorful foliage. Remove damaged growth or crossing branches in late winter. Shape the plant to maintain its size and promote more growth during midsummer.
Japanese Willow Spacing
Japanese Willow is a shrub-like tree with a central trunk and a rounded canopy. This plant will grow 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Plants can be spaced 4 to 5 feet apart to create a row of consistent foliage.
Japanese Willow Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-8 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 6-8 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green, White Variegated
- Foliage Type
- , Variegated
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Japanese Willow
- Botanical Name
- SALIX INTEGRA 'HAKARO NISHIKI'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!