Content
The Flamingo maple cannot be confused with any tree from the Aceráceae family. In spring, due to the blossoming foliage, the plant appears to be covered with pink flowers. In addition to the unusual colors, the beautiful shape of the crown also attracts attention. A spectacular decorative tree can transform any area.
The original color of the tree is given by young foliage, the appearance of which is stimulated by pinching the tops of the shoots
Breeding history
In nature, maple of this variety is found in the countries of Southeast Asia. In Europe, including Russia, the tree has been cultivated since the second half of the 19th century. Climatic conditions are suitable for growing this variety of maples. Flamingos tolerate cold well and do not require special care.
Description of pink maple Flamingo
This type of ash maple received the beautiful name “Red Flamingo” due to the soft pink color of the foliage in spring. In summer, the tree looks less impressive, as the sun-bleached crown takes on a pale green hue. With the onset of autumn frosts, the foliage again becomes elegant - rich yellow and red.
The height of adult maple specimens is no more than 5 m. The tree grows quite quickly: 120-150 cm per year. With good care and supervision, the ornamental crop lives up to 100 years.
Maple flowers begin to bloom before the leaves appear. Yellow buds form on the branches. The tree has a pleasant aroma that attracts bees and pollinating insects.
The plant belongs to the category of honey plants
After about two months, fruits form on the tree. Two translucent wings are attached to a dense base, inside of which a small seed is hidden. The fruits remain on the branches all winter. In the spring, lionfish break off and are carried by the wind throughout the area. Once in the soil, the seeds quickly germinate, forming new seedlings.
Advantages and disadvantages
The unusual beauty of young foliage encourages the cultivation of Flamingos in personal plots and in urban recreation areas.
The planted tree quickly takes root, grows rapidly and forms a luxurious crown.
Pros:
- ease of care;
- resistance to diseases and pests;
- good cold tolerance.
Minuses:
- despite the high level of frost resistance, at temperatures below -28 0The root zone must be covered;
- a tree with an extensive crown is difficult to grow in areas with limited space.
Planting the Flamingo maple
When growing Flamingo maple in the Moscow region and other regions of Russia, you should remember that the culture is one of the light-loving ones. Lack of sun causes the young foliage to lose its beautiful pink hue. At the same time, the tree is undemanding to the composition of the soil. As a rule, decorative culture develops well on any plot of land.
High-quality seedlings can be purchased at specialized nurseries.For planting, it is more convenient to buy a tree in a pot. Within seven days, the seedling should be placed in a permanent area. The landing algorithm is simple.
- Dig a hole 50 cm in diameter and 0.5 meters deep.
- A drainage layer is formed from coarse river sand or small crushed stone.
- A little water is poured into the hole and fertilizer is added, which is a mixture of humus, turf, and sand.
- A seedling is placed in the center of the hole. The hole from the trees is covered with earth and compacted. The root zone is mulched with a layer of peat.
Finally, the seedling is watered. Maple quickly adapts to a new place. The tree develops numerous branches and a crown forms.
Caring for Flamingo Maple
Small Flamingo maple seedlings need special attention at first. Therefore, after planting, it is necessary to organize regular watering. An adult tree with an overgrown root system obtains moisture on its own.
Watering the Flamingo maple is necessary taking into account the weather conditions. The soil in the root zone should be slightly moist, so the tree does not require irrigation during heavy rainfall. In hot weather, the tree needs at least 10 liters of water weekly.
Young plants need feeding. Once a season, complex fertilizer is applied to the soil. In the first year, the tree is sprayed with an insecticidal composition. In the future, good immunity of the culture allows you to do without treatment.
Agrotechnicians recommend periodically inspecting maple plantings so as not to miss the formation of a pest colony
Reproduction
In nature, the maple variety Flamingo reproduces by seed.Uncontrolled spread leads to the formation of abundant growth. Lionfish invade even distant areas, and new shoots may appear where they are undesirable.
For the purpose of directed spread of the crop, both ripe seeds and cuttings are used. Dried planting material is germinated in containers. Then the seedlings are planted in individual deep containers. To replant a tree, you must wait at least a year. In this connection, owners of personal plots prefer to buy ready-made maple seedlings of the Flamingo variety. When choosing a seedling you should:
- purchase one- or two-year-old specimens no more than 1 m high;
- inspect the roots (they should be intertwined with the ground).
It is better to buy maple seedlings from a nursery with a good reputation. Agrotechnicians recommend grafting cuttings onto an adult plant of the same variety, at a height of approximately 1.5 m from the ground level
Flamingo maple in landscape design
A pretty tree serves as a bright element in urban areas, parks, courtyards of apartment buildings and individual houses. On a personal plot, maple can be planted on the outside of the fence.
2-3 trees will serve as a worthy decoration for the entrance area
A single specimen is often placed on a site with a limited area. Maple will fit best into a recreation area with a gazebo, bench, and summer dining area. At any time of the year, the site will look attractive thanks to the original color of the foliage.
A large area can be decorated with a maple alley.A hedge formed from low plants planted at a distance of 1.5 m from each other looks great. A spectacular element of the landscape is the Flamingo maple on a trunk.
A tree with a slender trunk and a dense spherical shape looks festive at any time of the year.
A standard maple in a tub is a remarkable element of the entrance group or terrace
Conclusion
Flamingo maple grows well in open areas and in shaded areas. Thanks to a competent approach to organizing a personal plot or park area, you can create ideal landscape compositions from trees and herbaceous plants.
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