Salix integra 'Flamingo' PP17490

• Pollinators: The early-season catkins attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, providing a valuable food source in early spring when nectar is scarce.
  
  Birds: After flowering, 'Flamingo' produces small rose hips, which attract birds looking for food during the fall and winter months.

• Spring to Summer: 'Flamingo' begins to bloom in early spring with vibrant yellowish-green catkins (pussy willows). The leaves emerge in spring, starting off a soft pink color that transforms to white and green as the season progresses. The plant thrives in moist conditions and can provide vibrant color and texture throughout the summer.
  
• Fall: In the fall, the leaves gradually turn to shades of yellow and orange before falling, offering a warm transition to the cooler months. The variegated foliage is especially striking as the plant matures.
  
  Winter: During the winter months, 'Flamingo' enters dormancy and loses its leaves. While it may not offer foliage, its graceful form and bark provide structure and visual interest to the winter garden.

• Leaves: The leaves of 'Flamingo' are where this shrub truly shines. The foliage starts as a delicate pink color, gradually transforming into white and green as the season progresses. The variegated foliage offers a striking contrast to the plant’s delicate, weeping branches. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and smooth with a slightly leathery texture.
  
• Fall Color: As fall approaches, the leaves transition to soft shades of yellow and orange, providing an additional burst of color before they fall.
  
  Texture: The leaves are smooth and glossy, adding to the plant’s vibrant and eye-catching appearance.

• Flower Description: 'Flamingo' produces soft, yellow-green male catkins in early spring. These catkins are the characteristic “pussy willows” that add a whimsical, silvery appearance to the plant. While the flowers are not the primary attraction of 'Flamingo', they signal the arrival of spring and provide an early-season nectar source for pollinators.
  
  Flower Longevity: The catkins last for a few weeks in early spring and mature into seeds after the pollen is dispersed. The flowers are short-lived but essential for attracting early-season pollinators.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Flamingo' is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. Planting during these times ensures that the plant can establish its root system before the growing season or before extreme cold sets in.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. 'Flamingo' thrives in moist environments, making it an excellent choice for areas near water features, ponds, or rain gardens. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 4–5 feet apart to allow for their mature size and proper air circulation.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Flamingo' in early spring, before new growth begins, to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. You can also prune lightly to shape the plant and maintain its compact, bushy form.
  
• Pruning Tips: Deadheading after the blooming period will encourage new growth. You can also trim the plant’s branches lightly throughout the growing season to maintain its shape.
  
• Maintenance Pruning: While 'Flamingo' is naturally compact, occasional pruning will help maintain its tidy form and promote healthy new growth.
  
  

• Watering: 'Flamingo' requires regular watering and thrives in moist soil. This plant does particularly well in areas with consistently moist soil, including near ponds, streams, or rain gardens. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the roots are properly hydrated.
  
• Drought Tolerance: 'Flamingo' is not drought-tolerant and performs best with consistent moisture, especially during the growing season.
  
• Watering Tip: If planting in containers or areas with heavy rainfall, ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the plant’s roots.
  
  

'Flamingo' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and variegation. In areas with intense summer heat, partial shade may be beneficial to protect the plant from scorching.

The main appeal of 'Flamingo' is its ornamental value, but you can harvest branches with catkins for use in floral arrangements or crafts. The plant may also produce small rose hips after blooming, which provide food for birds during fall and winter.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy new growth and vibrant flowers. For containers, consider using a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to ensure the plant receives consistent nutrition.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote more leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer will support overall plant health.

•  'Flamingo' is wind-pollinated and does not require another plant for pollination. However, planting it near other willows or pollinator-friendly plants can attract more pollinators to your garden and improve biodiversity.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Hostas, Astilbes, or Daylilies to create contrast in texture and color.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other colorful shrubs like Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum for added depth and visual interest.
  
  Aquatic Plants: 'Flamingo' is perfect for planting near water features, and can be paired with Water Lilies, Iris, or Pickerel Rush to create a harmonious pond-side garden.