Salix integra ‘Flamingo’, also known as the flamingo willow or dappled willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its striking, multi-coloured foliage. It is often sold as a “lollipop” standard tree, with a grafted head on a single trunk.
Description
Key Characteristics:
- Foliage: The most striking feature of ‘Flamingo’ is its foliage. The new growth in spring is a brilliant mix of green and creamy white, with vibrant pink tips on the shoots, giving it a flamingo-like appearance. As the season progresses, the pink fades, and the leaves become a marbled mix of green and white, eventually turning predominantly green in late summer.
- Stems: Once the leaves drop in autumn, the plant reveals attractive coral-orange or red stems, providing a splash of colour throughout the winter months.
- Flowers: In early spring, before the foliage emerges, the plant produces graceful yellow catkins on its bare branches.
- Growth Habit: ‘Flamingo’ is a compact, fast-growing shrub that can be grown as a bush or, more commonly, as a standard tree (a “lollipop” shape) grafted onto a stronger willow rootstock. It has a slightly weeping habit, with branches that droop at the tips.
- Size: As a bush, it can reach an ultimate height and spread of around 2.5 meters. When grown as a standard, its size is determined by the pruning of its crown.
Growing Conditions and Care:
- Sunlight: For the best foliage colour, ‘Flamingo’ should be planted in a position that receives full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, but the pink and white variegation may be less intense.
- Soil and Moisture: Like other willows, it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types and pH levels (acid, neutral, and alkaline). Consistent moisture is crucial, especially for container-grown plants.
- Pruning: To maintain its compact shape and encourage the best foliage and stem colour, regular pruning is essential. This is typically done in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous season’s growth by a third to a half. A light trim in mid-summer can encourage a second flush of new, colourful growth.
Landscaping Uses:
- ‘Flamingo’ is an excellent focal point in a garden border or as a stand-alone specimen.
- Its compact size and striking appearance make it ideal for containers and patio pots.
- The plant’s love for moisture makes it a good choice for planting near ponds or water features.
- It has been awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit for its proven performance in UK gardens and is also recognised as a “Plant for Pollinators” for its catkins.
| See also different: | Easy-care deciduous trees and shrubs |