Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size2.5 x 2.5 metres in 20 years
FoliagePink-tipped young leaves, maturing to variegated cream and green
PositionFull sun
SoilSuits most soils including damp, but water well if kept in a pot
Description
Throughout spring and summer, eye catching pink tipped small leaves sit against a back drop of mottled green and white variegated foliage on Salix integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’. The Flamingo tree, as it is often known, also boasts yellow catkins that appear on bare orange/brown branches in late winter or early spring.
Popular as a patio tree due to it’s small size (2.5 x 2.5 metres in 20 years) and bushy lolly pop shape, we think ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’ looks equally nice planted next to water. It actually prefers a damp site, so a good watering regime is required if patio planting. The branches are pendulous at their tips and can be grown like this or pruned into a neater form; the latter is often preferred when it is grown on a patio.
Salix integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’ is a striking variety of dwarf Willow tree that is ideal for when space is limited and it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
AKA Flamingo tree, Flamingo Willow, Dappled Willow, Dwarf Willow, Shrimp Willow
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
