A well known and old dwarf cultivar. Weird that i found no post on it yet so here it is. A good dark red turning brilliant crimson in fall. Forms a round bush 1m tall and wide. pict1,2: 15 june pict 3: 7 mai
I was able to bring home a large 'Brandt's Dwarf' last winter. The few flaming fall leaves remaining on it fell off during the drive home and I've been waiting and waiting ever since for the leaves to open so I could share. Well, the leaves are still developing, but I can't wait any longer. My understanding is that one should expect 'Brandt's Dwarf' to be about three feet tall at maturity and bush shaped. Interestingly, mine is about seven feet tall and definitely tree shaped. I especially love the dark bark and the dense growth. I'll probably swap out the first photo once the tree is a little more visible.
I found the tree to be quite spectacular in August when it sprouted its second new growth. The bright red new growth against the dark purple red really stood out.
Mine died - Spring Death. I can't figure out a reason for it to have kicked the bucket other than some pathogen. It had extraordinary second summer growth and then a normal fall. I wondered if maybe the root system had died over the winter; however, the root stock it was grafted on sprouted growth. Hubby and I are very, very sad because it was one of our very favorites.
I am sad for your loss. It seems like another example of the witch's broom types being less resilient to stress/disease/life in general than regular Japanese maples.
Sorry to hear that Joyce, that was quite a specimen. I have lost two Brandt's Dwarfs this last couple years. They just die, no apparent reason. Funny part is I found the tree to not have dieback like the other similar dwarfs. I guess dieback is better than death. The Brandt's dwarf is the only tree I have had which died this year. A few of my ghost are not looking super great.
Oop I forgot one of my large Shaina died this last spring. It was a fresh dug tree so I figured that was the cause of death. I also lost a Fireball which is similar.