Acer 'Red Flamingo'

RHS Plant Profile
maple 'Esk Flamingo'

Other common names

maple 'Red Flamingo', snakebark maple 'Red Flamingo'

Synonyms

Acer 'Red Flamingo', Acer × conspicuum 'Red Flamingo', Acer coriaceifolium 'Esk Flamingo'

Shrubs Trees

A slow-growing, deciduous, snakebark maple, forming a shrub or small tree; as a tree it could eventually reach around 6m tall. Stems are a strong red, maturing with white striations to create winter interest. Leaves have a pink variegation when young, maturing through the season to a mix of green, dark pink and white in mottling and splashes

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
Name Status
Synonym

How to Grow

Cultivation

Requires free-draining, fertile soil and shelter from drying winds in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate hardwood cuttings or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Prune according to form - if a tree is the aim, clear stems of lower branches as growth progresses. See pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, acer leaf scorch and honey fungus