Flamingo Willow

A superb dwarf willow, either a large shrub or small tree, Salix integra Hakuro-nishiki has branches that droop slightly at the tips. The narrow, typical willow, leaves emerge light pink, and mature to variegated pink, green and creamy-white, turning predominantly green as summer rolls on. In spring, yellow catkins appear on the bare branches. Interestingly, stems on new growth turn red in autumn as the weather cools. Prune if necessary in early March. Particularly good planted next to a pond, or in a courtyard garden, provided it is well watered. Flamingo willow holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reliably moist, well-drained soil
Position: Colours best in full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: Almost all year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 8’ (2.5m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m) in 10-20 years

Photos by F. D. Richards, Wajira, and David Stang and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 and 4.0.