This cultivar is a dense upright tree with a rounded top. The new foliage emerges bright red and then quickly turns to a deep purple-red for the summer. I've been told this cultivar tolerates heat and humidity well and was originally developed by Hefner's nursery in North Carolina. This photo was taken July 11, 2007.
Definitely the best in the southeastern USA for holding the deep purple coloration through the long summer...for now. It is darker than most, becoming almost a bluish black in certain lighting. It still suffers from some leaf scorch in hot afternoon sunlight; and in heavy shade it will green out some (particularly on the lower leaves). It is very similar to Bloodgood in growth and size. Original tree up in Conover, NC is roughly 20 ft tall and 14 ft wide after about 30 years.
