Wilson’s pink dwarf

Character & interest

‘Wilson’s Pink Dwarf’ stands out for a double asset: a very strong spring colour and a dense, naturally well-structured silhouette. It is an easy cultivar to stage: it immediately brings light in spring, while remaining elegant for the rest of the season thanks to its small leaf and fine branching.

Colours

• Spring : vivid pink / salmon pink flush, very decorative for several weeks.

• Summer : light green to bright green foliage; depending on conditions, new shoots may keep a pinkish nuance or a slightly warmer fine edging.

• Autumn : a mix of red, orange and yellow (intensity varies with cool nights and exposure).

Habit & vigour

Bushy habit, often upright then more rounded with age, with very fine branching (a “twiggy” look). Rather slow to moderate growth: it stays naturally compact, especially in a container.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• generally around 1.2 to 1.5 m,

• may approach ~2 m in good conditions in the ground (depending on soil, climate and age).

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. Light enhances the pink spring flush, but a sheltered spot (dry winds, scorching sun) helps keep the foliage clean.

Origin & history

‘Wilson’s Pink Dwarf’ is a cultivar from a spontaneous seedling (chance seedling) selected by James H. Wilson in Millbrae (California, USA).