Shishigashira or Sango kaku?

Discussion in 'Maples' started by ceriano, May 4, 2022.

  1. ceriano

    ceriano Member

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    I’m looking to add a green leaf JPM to my front yard. This will be the last large JPM I’m adding to my garden. Front yard is west facing and does get some afternoon sun. I have an emeperor 1 that may cast shade at some point.
    Which one should I get? Coral bark of shishi? I currently have a coral bark in the backyard and it’s my absolute favorite.
    These are the trees I currently have:
    Emperor 1
    Fireglow
    Red dragon
    Sango kaku
    Seiryu
    Moonfire
    Aureum (container)
    Maiku Jaku (container)
    Arakawa (container)
    Mikawa Yatsubusa (container)
    Palmatum (container)

    p.s. the tree on the left is a magnolia Vulcan that I planted in January. Late frost killed the flowers and the leaf buds. I have came to the convulsion that this tree is not the right choice for my area so I’m going to replace it with the JPM.
     

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  2. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Hmm, the late Spring frost is a bit of a concern @ceriano. Maples hate these frosts and they seem to getting more frequent every year. So how about a species maple. Acer ginnala comes to mind, it has a tight shape and a glorious Autumnal red. Now next to the scarlet of Emperor 1 in the Autumn, I think it would look quite dramatic and eye catching.
    The Spring and Summer you would have the red and green contrast.
     
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  3. ceriano

    ceriano Member

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    Light frost doesn’t seem to bother the JPMs as much. They are more resilient. Seiryu lost a few leaves but that was about it. The magnolia leaves on the other hand are super delicate.
     
  4. ceriano

    ceriano Member

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    they look nice but they get too big for my front yard. I prefer something more upright and less wide.
     
  5. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Then my vote goes for Shishigashira...it takes years to get to a large size. Sango kaku is a fast grower and the branches do spread, so not the tight looking effect you are after. But those red branches in the Winter months.......... choices choices !!!!! Lol.
     
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  6. ceriano

    ceriano Member

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    The B&B shishis are 6-7’ tall but they are about $600 delivered. They had a nice looking japonicom too but those grow rather bushy.
     

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  7. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    That is an eye popping price, but the big ones over here are twice that price @ceriano, so perhaps if cash allows, then its the way to go for instant impact. I would be looking at a good warranty at that price though.
     
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  8. ceriano

    ceriano Member

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    All come with one year warranty. I have bough 19 trees from them so far all have been doing great. The Vulcan came from southern states, they had 3 the other two didn’t make it thru the winter.
    Is it too late to plant a b&b?
     
  9. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    If it is in a pot then no it isn't too late at all. A good watering regime is essential though at this time of year when planting.
     
  10. ceriano

    ceriano Member

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    They are balled and burlap
     
  11. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Then I would wait until Autumn.
     
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  12. ceriano

    ceriano Member

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    I stopped by the nursery, all the b&bs in full sun were scorched. The shishigashira looked good but those were strategically placed under a large tree. I feel for the price it’s a safer bet to wait till the fall.
    They also had an acer columnar with small leaves. That kinda look interesting too.
    Niwaki pine may be another option.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2022
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  13. ROEBUK

    ROEBUK Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Bit of a no brainer really Shishigashira all the time , coral barks are ok but with the shishi you have what you stated you required the stunning green leaf which also comes a architectural structure you wouldn't believe and you don't have to prune it either !! this will always find it's own shape , plus you will get one of the best fall colours on any maple out there, which will also be the last to drop it's leaf in the fall when all your others are just a memory.
     
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  14. MapleZen

    MapleZen Well-Known Member

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    I agree. Corals are nice, but when they get older, they just look like standard mountain maples.
     
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  15. bub72ck

    bub72ck Active Member

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    Shishi and Sango are like apples and oranges outside of being green JMS. I would vote for the Shishi hands down. Sango gets much larger, has less character, and is more prone to disease.
     
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