How to Grow Flamingo Dappled Willow - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Flamingo dappled willow is a beautiful, ornamental tree that is native to parts of Asia. It has long, slender leaves that are a deep green color with light-colored spots. The branches of the tree are covered in small, pink flowers. The flowers are followed by small, round fruits that are a deep red color.

How to Grow Flamingo Dappled Willow - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Salix cinerea
  • Salix candida
  • Salix babylonica
  • Salix fragilis
  • Salix schwerinii

Common Knowledge

  • The flamingo dappled willow (Salix x rubra 'Flamingo') is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to Europe and Asia.
  • It is a member of the willow family (Salicaceae) and is closely related to the common willow (Salix alba).
  • The flamingo dappled willow gets its name from its distinctive pink and white leaves which resemble the feathers of a flamingo.
  • This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • It is fast-growing and can reach a height of up to 6 meters (20 feet).
  • The leaves are simple and ovate-shaped with serrated margins. They are arranged alternately on the stem.
  • The flowers are small and inconspicuous and are borne in catkins.
  • The fruit is a small capsule which contains numerous seeds.
  • The wood of the flamingo dappled willow is soft and brittle and is not of commercial value.
  • This plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens.

Related plant:
Flamingo Bush

Growing Steps

  1. For flamingo dappled willow, first step is to find a planting location. Find an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have found a suitable location, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
  3. Next, remove the plant from the container it is in and place it in the hole.
  4. Once the plant is in the hole, backfill the hole with soil.
  5. Next, water the plant deeply.
  6. Once the plant is established, prune it to the desired shape.
  7. flamingo dappled willow will need to be watered regularly. Water it deeply but don’t allow the soil to become too wet.
  8. Fertilize the plant every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. In the winter, protect the plant from harsh weather by covering it with a burlap cloth.
  10. Enjoy your flamingo dappled willow!

Related plant:
Flamingo Tree

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the flamingo dappled willow needs well drained, moist to wet soil, and slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It grows in full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a wide range of soils as long as they're not too dry. This plant is also tolerant of salt and brackish water.

Light requirement

Just like other willow trees, the flamingo dappled willow needs full sun to grow properly. If it is not in a sunny spot, it will not reach its full potential. This tree can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it prefers a moist, well-drained soil.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition in the habitat of the flamingo dappled willow is tropical. The average temperature in the region is 25 degrees Celsius. The habitat is located in the subtropics, which means that it is quite warm year-round. The flamingo dappled willow requires a temperature range of 21 to 28 degrees Celsius to thrive.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to dry out and turn brown. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to rot and the plant will die.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant food, is important to the growth of the roots which in turn support the plant. The roots act as an anchor for the plant, providing stability and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The roots of the flamingo dappled willow are especially important in providing stability to the plant in windy conditions.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a flamingo dappled willow is a simple process that can be done with just a few basic tools. First, remove any dead or dying leaves or branches with a sharp pair of pruning shears. Next, trim back any overgrown or untamed growth to create a more manageable plant. Finally, shape the plant to your desired look by selectively pruning certain branches.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of growing a new plant from an existing one. Flamingo dappled willow (Salix subserrata) is a deciduous shrub that can be propagated from cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from stems that are not too woody. They can be propagated in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite, or placed directly into moist soil. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the landscape.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the presence of water. In areas with an abundance of water, such as near rivers or in the tropics, these willows can grow up to 10 feet per year. However, in drier regions, growth rates are often much slower, with some plants only growing a few inches per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and fall off, and the stems may become weak and break. These problems are usually caused by too much water or too little water. If the leaves turn yellow and fall off, it is usually because the plant is not getting enough water. If the stems become weak and break, it is usually because the plant is getting too much water.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to soak your Flamingo Dappled Willow in water for 24 hours before planting.
  • Plant your tree in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball.
  • Once your tree is in the hole, backfill with soil and water it well.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but be sure not to mound it up against the trunk.
  • Water your Flamingo Dappled Willow regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  • Fertilize your tree every spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Prune your tree as needed to maintain its shape.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Enjoy the beautiful pink and white flowers your Flamingo Dapp

Alternative Plants

  • Salix babylonica 'Flame' - Flame weeping willow
  • Salix babylonica 'Schubert' - Schubert weeping willow
  • Salix babylonica 'Sekka' - Sekka weeping willow
  • Salix babylonica 'Ruby Glow' - Ruby Glow weeping willow
  • Salix vindobonensis 'Flame' - Flame willow
  • Salix repens 'Flame' - Flame creeping willow
  • Salix acutifolia 'Flame Show' - Flame Show willow
  • Salix purpurea 'Flame' - Flame purple willow
  • Salix 'Flame Alder' - Flame Alder willow
  • Salix 'Flame Robin' - Flame Robin willow

Source:
American flamingo | Smithsonian's National Zoo
Why are Flamingos Pink? And Other Flamingo Facts
Giant flamingo sculpture in place at Tampa airport - WUSF Public …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category