Flamingo trees (Salix integra) are easy to care for and bring joy to many gardeners. With their pink, white and green foliage that changes throughout the year, these trees are far from boring. Read on to learn how to plant and care for a flamingo willow.

Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO
Flamingo tree - Salix integra-FLAMINGO

How to Grow, Propagate, Varieties, and Harvest the Stunning Flamingo Tree (Salix integra ‘Flamingo’)

The Flamingo Tree—botanically known as Salix integra ‘Flamingo’—is one of the most eye-catching ornamental willows you can grow. Famous for its pink, white, and green variegated foliage, this small tree or large shrub delivers a burst of color from early spring through fall. Its graceful, arching stems and rapid growth make it a favorite among gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet high-impact plant for borders, patios, and small gardens.

If you’re considering adding this beauty to your landscape, this guide covers everything you need: how to grow it, propagate it, its top varieties, and how to prune/harvest cuttings properly.

What Makes the Flamingo Tree Unique?

The Flamingo willow is grown primarily for its striking tricolor foliage. New leaves emerge pink, then fade into white and green variegation. Its shape is soft and airy, and when grafted as a standard (lollipop form), it makes a perfect focal point.

Key characteristics:

  • Fast-growing (30–60 cm per year)
  • Compact size—ideal for small gardens
  • Highly ornamental foliage
  • Tolerates pruning extremely well
  • Attracts wildlife, especially pollinators

How to Grow a Flamingo Tree (Salix integra ‘Flamingo’)

1. Choose the Right Planting Location

Flamingo willows love light and moisture. For the best foliage color:

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
  • Avoid: Hot, dry sites or overly compacted soils

The more sun it receives, the more vibrant the pink tones will be.

2. Planting Instructions

When to Plant

  • Best: Early spring or fall
  • Acceptable: Any time during the growing season, with consistent watering

How to Plant

  1. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball.
  2. Mix compost into the removed soil.
  3. Set the plant at the same depth it grew in its pot.
  4. Backfill, firm gently, and water deeply.
  5. Add mulch to retain moisture.

3. Watering

Flamingo willows love moisture, especially during the first year.

  • Keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged.
  • Mature trees tolerate temporary dryness, but regular watering improves color and vigor.

4. Feeding

Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer or a compost top dressing.

5. Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning is essential because the most colorful Pink/White foliage appears on new growth.

How to Prune

  • Major prune: Late winter to early spring
  • Light shaping: Mid-summer
  • Goal: Encourage fresh shoots and maintain a compact shape

For grafted standard forms, trim the top into a neat globe and remove any shoots from the trunk.

Propagation: How to Multiply Your Flamingo Tree

One of the best things about willows is how easy they are to propagate.

Propagate by Hardwood Cuttings

Best done in late fall through early spring.

Steps:

  1. Select a healthy 20–30 cm (8–12 inch) hardwood stem.
  2. Cut just below a leaf node.
  3. Remove leaves from the bottom half.
  4. Insert the cutting into moist soil or a pot filled with compost and sand.
  5. Keep moist; roots typically form quickly even without rooting hormone.

Propagate by Softwood Cuttings

Best done in late spring to mid-summer.

Steps:

  1. Take a 10–15 cm (4–6 inch) soft new shoot.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting gel if available (optional).
  4. Plant in a pot of moist compost.
  5. Cover with a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity.

Roots usually appear within 2–4 weeks.

Varieties of Salix integra Worth Considering

While ‘Flamingo’ is a cultivar of Salix integra, it’s one of several colorful Japanese willows. Here are the most popular ones:

1. Salix integra ‘Flamingo’

  • Most vibrant pink new growth
  • Stronger variegation than ‘Hakuro Nishiki’
  • Slightly slower growing
  • Ideal for small spaces

2. Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’

  • Also known as the Dappled Willow
  • Softer pink tones
  • Faster growth
  • Often used for hedges and screening

3. Salix integra ‘Pendula’

  • Graceful drooping branches
  • Works beautifully over ponds and water features

4. Salix integra ‘Albiflora’

  • Primarily white-variegated foliage
  • Elegant, soft color palette

Harvesting: How to Use and Prune Flamingo Willow Cuttings

Willow trees are rarely “harvested” for fruit or flowers, but gardeners often harvest:

  • Cuttings for propagation
  • Young stems for crafts (wreaths, small weaving projects)
  • Pruned material for composting (willow contains natural rooting hormones)

How to Harvest Cuttings Safely

  1. Use sharp, clean pruners.
  2. Take shoots from healthy branches.
  3. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.

When to Harvest

  • Winter for hardwood cuttings
  • Summer for softwood cuttings
  • Early spring for craft stems

Common Issues and How to Prevent Them

1. Leaf Scorch

Caused by drought or too much sun in dry climates.
Fix: Increase watering and mulch heavily.

2. Pest Infestations

Aphids and willow leaf beetles appear occasionally.
Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or prune affected stems.

3. Graft Reversion or Sucker Growth

Standard trees may grow shoots below the graft.
Fix: Remove these immediately— they will not match the Flamingo cultivar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Flamingo tree suitable for small gardens?

Yes! Most remain compact and can be pruned to maintain size.

Can it grow in pots?

Absolutely. Use a large container and keep the soil moist.

Is the Flamingo willow evergreen?

No, it is deciduous but offers beautiful winter stem structure.

How fast does it grow?

Around 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) per year depending on conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Flamingo Tree (Salix integra ‘Flamingo’) is a perfect choice for gardeners who want big color with low effort. With regular watering, annual pruning, and occasional feeding, it rewards you with vivid pink foliage and elegant form. Its easy propagation also means you can create more plants for free—excellent for hedging, gifting, or expanding your garden.