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Acer palmatum 'Beni shi en'

First photo shows the unusual red summer color. The second photo shows fall color.

This cultivar is in the variegated group whose name in Japanese means 'Red Smoke'. This rare and unusual maple provides color changes throughout the summer and into the fall. New growth is feathery with a rosy-red  color which changes to a red purple. Fall colors hold longer than most maples and varies from orange to crimson.

Beni shi en is has a moderate growth habit to form a small upright tree. In 10 years the tree may reach 7'. This maple makes a wonderful specimen for a small garden with its changing seasonal interest. Beni shi en is a good selection for either bonsai, a patio container or a focal point in a small garden. Once established hardy to USDA zone 5.

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   Acer palmatum 'Emperor I'

Photo shows fall color. Discovered by Richard P. Wolff of Red Maple Nursery in Pennsylvania. Similar to Bloodgood, but better growth rate and leaf color retention. Plant in full sun or in partial shade; however the more sun the tree receives the better the red-burgundy summer color.   Emperor I turns a brilliant scarlet red in the fall. Once established this cultivar is hardy to USDA zone 5.

This cultivar rapidly grows to 15' in 10 years. Eventually, Emperor I may reach 20' at full maturity. Good tree as a large specimen in the garden.

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      Acer palmatum 'Fireglow'

The photo shown is a Fireglow with fall color grown in our display garden.

Developed and propagated by Fratelli Gilardelli Nursery near Milan Italy. Similar to Bloodgood and Emperor, but not the leaves are not as deeply divided and the summer color is more red than burgundy. Though a vigorous upright grower, this maple will not reach the height and spread of Bloodgood. In the spring the new leaves emerge with a very bright pink red color. Even in the hottest summer climates, Fireglow holds it red color without burning.  Although vigorous in  its growth pattern, this tree is still a good choice for patio containers.

This cultivar rapidly grows to 10' in 10 years. Eventually, Fireglow may reach 10 to 12' at full maturity. Good selection for a medium sized specimen in the garden. Fall color is scarlet red. Once established hardy to USDA zone 5.

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      Acer palmatum 'First Ghost'

First picture is new growth and the second picture shows the beginning of the fall color change.

First Ghost is the initial new cultivar in the Ghost Series developed by Talon Buchholz with Buchholz and Buchholz Nursery in Gaston, Oregon. The first picture showing the unusual leaf structure and color of First Ghost is courtesy of Talon Buchholz.

A small to medium sized tree with variegated reticulated leaves. The term reticulated relates to the visibility of the veins in the leaves. The white/yellow toned leaves tinged with pink/red around the edges provides an unusual look that is distinctive in the Ghost Series. As with other variegated maples,  some shade in hot afternoon sun is preferred. Fall colors range from gold to orange. The bark color and structure of the trunk of this cultivar is unique even when the maple is dormant. A collector's must. Once established hardy to USDA zone 6.

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  Acer palmatum 'Geisha' 

Geisha, as a cultivar has been around for a number of years and is listed in J.D. Vertrees book Japanese Maples, 2nd edition.  Initially from New Zealand and imported by Talon Buchholz of Gaston, OR. This cultivar is a wonderful pink from spring through summer turning scarlet in the fall. Ideal sunlight would be morning through mid-afternoon with some shade protection during the hottest part of the day.

   Acer palmatum 'Hubb's Red Willow'

Hubb's Red Willow is in the linearilobum group of string-like leaves that provide a graceful look when the wind blows. This dark red leaf cultivar holds its color through the summer and then becomes crimson red in the fall. Not a big maple, but of medium size perfect for the small garden. This cultivar can reach 8'  high and 4' widein 10 years and may mature at 6'. . The hardiness zone ranges from 5 through 9. This compact growth makes it highly desirable for a small garden, a water feature or in a patio container or even bonsai.

             Acer palmatum 'Kasigi yama'

Kasigi yama is a wonderful maple for a sunny location.  The primary color is brick red, but this color varies with the age of the leaf and the amount of sun or shade the plant receives. The color is very distinctive from other red cultivars. The reticulated leaves have veins that are dark red to almost black in the center while the side veins vary in color.  Summer color tones are bold from purple to brick-red with green hues on the underside of the leaf.  Then in late summer another flush of new growth shows more purple and red tones with finally a fantastic red-purple finish in fall. Recommended sun exposure is mostly sun.

This variety can take hot afternoon sun with adequate moisture. Estimated height in 10 years is 10' tall and just as wide without pruning. Maximum height is 20'. Needs pruning for shape. Photo courtesy of Talon Buchholz.

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