Salix integra ‘Flamingo’
integra = entire, untoothed
Pink-tip Willow
This selection of the Dappled Willow (S. integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’) has very attractive pink new foliage and shows more color in full sun. I made the mistake of planting one in shade and it remained green, so it’s no longer in that location. In 3-4 years this will grow into a shrub 6-8ft high and across, but I cut mine back hard every 2-3 years to ensure luxurious young growth that has the most color. The species is native to Japan and Korea, but few people grow the species, as the selections are much more ornamental. Less tolerant of wet conditions than most Salix.
USES: a highly ornamental garden shrub, hedges and fedges, dried for basketry and garden ornaments.
I question the validity of this selection; every time I bought a plant so labelled, it turns out to be no different from 'Hakuro Nishiki'. I bought a plant from one of the largest wholesalers in California two years ago and in our climate it is 'Hakuro Nishiki'. It may have something to do with climate or the amount of sun they receive. However: in 2019 our 'Hakuro Nishiki' was the pinkest I've ever seen it in Vermont.
‘Flamingo’ is simply spectacular in spring when the new growth explodes. As showy as any flowers!
To be honest, we have yet to see a plant do this in Eastern North America! European photo.
Here’s a group in our ‘Garden for all Seasons’ in mid-summer.
'Flamingo' has lost most of it’s spring flush, but it is still a showy dwarf shrub.
below: That's 'Flamingo' lower right and S. 'Flame' upper left. October 2, 2013.
Water droplets on the leaves after a summer downpour.
Female catkins appear in pairs along the stems appearing at the same time as the leaves.
WillowWorld
of Michael Dodge