The popular dwarf willow known as the flamingo tree (Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’) is known for its springtime foliage. In the summer, the leaves turn green, and in the fall, when they drop, coral-orange stems emerge. Yellow catkins appear before the spring foliage returns.
The small tree or shrub Salix integra “Hakuro-nishiki” is compact. It is frequently sold as a standard or lollipop tree grafted onto a different variety of willow rootstock. It has been awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, making it an excellent option for smaller gardens.
In full sun or partial shade, cultivate Salix integra “Hakuro-nishiki” in soil that is moist but well-drained. As long as they get enough water, standard trees do well in a pot. If desired, prune lightly in the summer and winter.
Despite its delicate appearance, the flamingo tree is completely hardy in the UK. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
How to grow a Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’
Your Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ should be grown in full sun or partial shade in soil that is moist but well-drained. As long as they get enough water, standard trees do well in a pot. If desired, prune lightly in the summer and winter.
Where to grow
Plant your tree in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. It will look good in Japanese-style plantings as well as contemporary or urban gardens. Standards can also be grown in pots on the patio or along a doorway’s flanks.
How to plant
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the rootball first, and then add a lot of compost or well-rotted manure to it. The rootball should then be placed in the hole with its surface level with the soil. Add soil to the hole. After planting, thoroughly water in and mulch to help retain moisture.
Use John Innes No.3 compost that does not contain peat if you are growing a standard tree in a pot. As the plant gets bigger, move it into a bigger pot.
If you plant into the planters supplied, it is essential to provide drainage in the containers. Firstly, drill several holes in the base of the planter, then add a layer of gravel, stones or old broken plant pots before transferring the plant from its nursery pot and topping up with quality multi-purpose compost around the root-ball. “We recommend using our Compost King multi-purpose compost for the best results,” says Chris Bonnett, gardening expert for The Express.
Caring for a Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ (Flamingo Willow)
In dry weather, water ground-based plants. Keep the compost moist if you are growing a salix integra tree in a pot. In the spring, feed with a well-balanced fertiliser. Use well-rotted manure or garden compost as mulch in the spring to help keep the soil moist.
Trim the growth back by about one third to encourage lush growth and a lot of new pink foliage late in the winter. Also get rid of any shoots that are growing in the wrong direction, are damaged, or are dying. Additionally, remove any sprouting shoots from the grafted stem by trimming it back. To encourage more new pink growth later in the season, you can trim lightly once more in the summer.
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