If your garden doesn't have space for a large pasture, you still don't have to do without this beautiful tree species. In the cultivated form of a standard tree, the Harlequin willow fits on every terrace or balcony, no matter how small. On this page you will find a lot more information about the special breeding form as well as helpful tips for care.
How do you care for a standard harlequin willow?
The harlequin willow as a standard tree is characterized by its impressive appearance, lush green foliage and striking pink flowers. To maintain the beautiful shape, regular trimming and topiary in spring and summer are required.
Hakuro Nishiki
Hakuro Nishiki is a cultivated form of the genus Salix Integra that comes from Japan. In Germany it is the most popular variety of harlequin willow, which is partly due to its low height. Hakuro Nishiki is available as both a shrub and a standard tree. The latter variant is a refined form. Both species reach a maximum height of around three meters.
Hakuro Nishiki as High Tribe
If Hakuro Nishiki was bred as a standard tree, it only grows slightly taller. However, it becomes broader over the years. You can clearly see how the trunk circumference increases. Harlequin willows are very popular because of their attractive appearance. On the one hand, they have lush green foliage. On the other hand, the ornamental willows impress with flowers that initially appear white and later appear strikingly pink. This look is particularly beautiful if you cut the crown into a spherical shape. By the way, this is the common form of the Hakuro Nishiki as a standard tree.
Cutting harlequin willow as a standard tree
So that the harlequin willow maintains its unique appearance as a standard tree, you should prune it several times a year. Topiary cuts are necessary as soon as the branches in the crown branch out too much. Regular thinning is important for sufficient air circulation and sufficient light influence. In this way you also promote new growth. Make a radical cut at least once a year. You can cut the standard tree back a lot. After a short time, the plant shoots up again. Here are some tips for cutting the harlequin willow as a standard tree:
- Never cut into the grafted trunk.
- Constantly pay attention to maintaining the spherical shape. Once this has grown over, it is hardly possible to repair it.
- In addition, dead wood forms in the crown, which leads to bare spots.
- The first cut is even possible in the second year.
- It is best to cut the standard tree in spring before the leaves emerge.
- To maintain the spherical shape, touch-ups are recommended in the summer months.
