Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Manitoba Maple

Description:

A curious and attractive small tree with compound leaves edged in white and pink; a novelty for adding interest to the home landscape, much less hardy than the species

Ornamental Features

Flamingo Boxelder has attractive white-variegated green foliage with hints of pink on a tree with a round habit of growth. The compound leaves are highly ornamental and turn yellow in fall.

Landscape Attributes

Flamingo Boxelder is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy
• Insects

Flamingo Boxelder is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Flamingo Boxelder will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.