Tri-Color Dappled Willow-GROWTH RATE

[SRBinNYC]

Does anyone know why these two plants (obtained same shipment [May 2021], in ground at the same time; front gets more sun [ 1 hour+]), yet one is running away and the other has a sluggish growth rate, with some leave dying?

 

[Marck]

A small difference like this can be due to so many very slight variables involving watering, drainage, light, individual genetics, etc. The larger plant is lower on the slope which might explain it. Also, the plants have only been in the ground for a few months. I suspect with time the plants will likely grow very similarly. Feel free to trim back the larger plant, if keeping them matching is important.