The “Flamingo Tree,” formally known as Dappled Willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’), is a popular deciduous shrub known for its distinctive, colorful foliage. It offers unique visual interest in various garden settings, making it a favored specimen plant or an attractive component in mixed borders.
Understanding Flamingo Trees
Dappled Willow is characterized by its variegated leaves, which emerge pink in spring. As the season progresses, these narrow, lance-shaped leaves mature into a mottled combination of creamy white and green. This vibrant coloration gives it the common name “Flamingo Tree,” as the pink new growth resembles the bird’s plumage.
This fast-growing shrub has an upright, spreading habit with arching branches. It can reach 8-10 feet tall and wide if left unpruned, but is often maintained at 4-6 feet through regular pruning. In winter, after leaves drop, the plant reveals attractive coral-red stems on newer growth.
Optimal Growing Environment
Flamingo Trees thrive in full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes the most vibrant foliage. In hot summers, afternoon shade can prevent scorching. Consistent moisture is important for this plant.
The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil, tolerating clay, loam, or sandy types if kept moist. An ideal soil pH ranges from 5.6 to 7.8. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, ensuring the crown is slightly above ground level. Space plants 5-6 feet apart for mature spread. Water deeply after planting.
Ongoing Care and Pruning
Regular watering is crucial for Dappled Willows, especially during their first year. While established plants tolerate some dry spells, the soil should not dry out completely. During the growing season, maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning encourages the vibrant new growth that displays the pink variegation and maintains size and shape. Extensive pruning is best in late winter or early spring, before new growth. This can involve cutting back the plant to 6-12 inches from the ground (coppicing) to stimulate new, colorful shoots, or thinning branches. Light shaping and tip pruning can be done until mid-August to encourage continuous colored foliage.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply around the base, avoiding the trunk, and water thoroughly. Dappled Willows are hardy in USDA Zones 4-9; in colder climates, new growth stems turn coral-red in winter.
Addressing Common Problems
Dappled Willows can encounter a few common issues. Pests like aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and leaf beetles may infest the plant, feeding on leaves and stems. Aphids cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth, and can be dislodged with a strong stream of water or treated with horticultural oils.
Diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust, and blights also affect Dappled Willows. Powdery mildew appears as a white coating on leaves. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering prevent fungal issues.
Loss of variegation, where leaves revert to green, is a common concern. This occurs due to insufficient sunlight or irregular pruning, as new growth has the most vibrant color. Regular pruning maintains colorful foliage.