Acer Negundo Flamingo or Variegated Box Elder

The Acer Negundo, the Boxelder Maple or also Ashleaf maple is a family of maples that are native to North America. Acer Negundo Flamingo (Variegated Box Elder) is the variegated variety of the Boxelder. The pinnate leaves grow on attractive red stems. As the new leaves emerge in spring, they are dramatically tinged with pink. As they mature, they develop lovely green centres with creamy-pink margins, turning more white as the season progresses.

Ideal for small gardens or as a decorative tree, Acer Negundo Flamingo won’t get larger than 5 metres on maturity. This makes it also a really good tree for container growing. 

Acer Negundo Flamingo can be planted in full sun or partial shade. Because of the unusual and eye-catching foliage, the Variegated Box Elder tree makes a striking contrast when planted with blue conifers such as Lawsons Cypress or greens such as Pinus Nigra Green Tower.

If you have a liking for drama but have a small space, this little ornamental tree has a lot to offer. The Variegated Box Elder is a slow growing tree. It is very hardy and won’t require a lot of maintenance. If you do want to trim it and shape it a bit, then its best to cut it back in early march to encourage new variegated growth.