Why is my willow turning brown?

It likely needs more water, as this species prefers consistently moist soil.

When should I prune it?

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Plant guide

Flamingo Willow.

Salix integra

Pronounced SAY-liks IN-teh-gruh

Also known as False Winnow Willow, dappled willow, hakuro nishiki, variegated willow

The Flamingo Willow is a stunning shrub known for its vibrant, variegated foliage that shifts from pink to white and green. It thrives in moist soil and makes a fantastic focal point in any garden. You will love how its bright colors pop against darker greenery.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 7
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this willow loves water and will suffer if it dries out completely. Prune it regularly to encourage that signature pink new growth and maintain a tidy shape. Watch for leaf scorch if the plant is exposed to intense afternoon sun or allowed to dry out.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, never letting it dry out completely.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Hard prune in late winter or early spring to stimulate colorful new growth.
Repotting: Repot when the roots have filled the container or growth slows significantly.
Soil: Moist, well-draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes.
Water draining through too quickly.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The bark contains salicin, which can cause reactions in those sensitive to aspirin.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The slender branches are flexible but should be kept away from small children to prevent eye pokes.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The windborne pollen can trigger seasonal allergies in some people.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Variegated pink, white, and green leaves
Slender, flexible reddish stems
Deciduous shrub with rounded habit
Small catkins appear in early spring

Height: 1.5 to 3m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: green, pink, white, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, green, 1 to 3cm
Fruit: brown, late spring

Problems to watch for

AnthracnoseCommon
AphidsCommon
CankerUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Willow BlightUncommon
Powdery MildewRare
Scale InsectsRare

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Mulch the base to keep roots cool and hydrated. Prune back dead wood in late winter.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, provided you keep the soil consistently moist.

Hardwood cuttings

Take 20 cm cuttings in late winter.
Place in moist soil or water.
Keep in a bright, cool location until roots form.

Pair this shrub with moisture loving perennials to create a lush, water wise garden bed.

Grows well with

Hostas · They thrive in the same moist, partially shaded conditions.
Astilbe · These perennials appreciate the consistent moisture that the willow enjoys.

Similar species

Dappled Willow · This is the most popular cultivar known for its variegated foliage.

Science

Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Salix
Order: Malpighiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Northeastern Asia including Japan, Korea, and parts of China.
Conservation: This species is not currently of conservation concern.

It naturally grows along stream banks and in damp meadows where moisture is abundant.

Value to wildlife: early season nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental shrub, hedge, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 6/9
Soil reaction: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my willow turning brown?: It likely needs more water, as this species prefers consistently moist soil.
When should I prune it?: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Where the name comes from

Salix is the ancient Latin name for willow, while integra describes the smooth, untoothed leaf edges.

Good to know

The name integra refers to the smooth, entire margins of the leaves.
It is often pruned hard in late winter to encourage vibrant new foliage colors.
This willow is native to parts of northeastern Asia.

Keep your flamingo willow growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.