Acer negundo Flamingo - Maple

The Acer negundo Flamingo is a very beautiful variety of ash-leaved maple, a remarkable small tree with extremely bright variegated foliage of white and pink on a green background, which turns beautiful golden colours in autumn. Often used in hedges, it also makes a lovely specimen to plant in isolation in a small garden. As it tolerates pruning well, which promotes the appearance of colourful new shoots, it can easily be grown as a large bush. Not demanding, fast-growing, and hardy, it adapts to most soils and climates. This wonderful maple prefers to be planted in partial shade to protect its foliage from sunburn.

The Acer negundo, also known as Boxelder, Ash-leaved Maple, or Manitoba Maple, belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to western United States and Virginia, but can be found as far south as Florida as well as in Canada and Quebec. It is considered an invasive species, naturalized in France, particularly in Corsica where it is subject to special monitoring. This robust light-loving species prefers areas near watercourses and wetlands, but can tolerate dry summers once established. It prefers clay-limestone soils, but the plant adapts to a wide range of soils that are not too acidic. In nature, Acer negundo forms a large crown tree, reaching a height of 15m (49ft). The 'Flamingo' variety, on the other hand, rarely exceeds 7m (23ft) in height and width if not pruned. It can easily be maintained at a height of 3m (10ft) through regular pruning. This small tree has a relatively short and stocky trunk, or sometimes multiple trunks, with low branches if it has enough space. If surrounded by other shrubs or trees, it will tend to grow taller in order to seek light. Its natural habit is spreading, slightly irregular, supported by thin and brittle branches. Its rough, ash-grey bark cracks over time, taking on a darker grey tone. The young twigs are green-blue and pruinose. The leaves, 5 to 10cm (2 to 3.9in) long, are divided into 3 to 9 ovate and pointed leaflets with very serrated edges. They are variegated with white and pink on a green background, or sometimes completely white. They turn yellow before falling. The inconspicuous flowering occurs in April-May, at the same time or slightly before the young leaves develop. It produces clusters of female flowers that are slightly yellowish green, in thick pendulous clusters, and male flowers that are red, arranged in long filamentous racemes. The flowers are followed by clusters of winged seeds called samaras, measuring 3 to 5cm (2in) in length. The shrub is capable of flowering and fruiting from the age of 3 years.

The Acer negundo Flamingo needs a sheltered location away from strong winds, these are the only requirements of this beautiful, small light-loving tree. It is ideal at the base of large trees to create a medium-sized screen or to brighten up a too-green corner of the garden. It requires less water than the 'Hakuro Nishiki' willow, but plays a similar role in garden ornamentation. Once well established, it will thrive without additional watering in regions where summers can be somewhat dry. For example, it can be paired with a purple hazel or a Black Lace elderberry, as their dark foliage will beautifully complement its extremely bright foliage. It will also look great as a standalone tree in a small garden.

TIP: Remove entirely green branches (suckers) that detract from its natural habit.