I almost bought a JM Nigrum yesterday; the tag on it said the species grows to a max of 12-15 tall, which is perfect for the location I have in mind. However, sources on the net have it maxing out at 20-25 feet. What is the real Nigrum max height? What you you suggest for a good JM that maxes out at 10-15ft tall? Frankly, I would LOVE Osakazuki or Sango Kaku, but a tree that maxes out 20ft+ doesn't work for my townhouse's humble back yard.
I don't grow 'Nigrum' myself but it is reported to be smaller and slower growing than types such as 'Bloodgood'. Out of three books I have here, the max height is listed as 13ft, 13ft and 16ft. If you like 'Sango kaku', there are several smaller coral bark types available. 'Aka kawa hime', 'Fjellheim' and 'Winter Flame' get to about 6 feet, while 'Beni kawa' and 'Red Wood' are reported to get to about 12 feet.
I was asking myself a similar question. I am planning to get a Bloodgood for my sheltered and sunny zone 4b garden... but it has to stay under 10'. Most websites and books I've read says a Bloodgood will grow to much higher : 20ft and so. My local nursery, though, which carries the said Bloodgood cultivar, sells its own reference book about all their plants and in that book, it's listed as a 8ft tree. HUGE difference, if you ask me, but maybe it could be because we are in a much colder climate? What do you think? I really cant have a tree anywhere higher than 9ft... should I believe my nursery specialists and, if needed, prune my tree, or should I try to find a dwarf cultivar that could survive Québec city?
Bloodgood is a huge tree!! Many times nurseries list the height of a tree at the 10 year height - how big it will be at 10 years. But it will keep on growing. And growing. And growing! There are a number of newer cultivars out there that will not get so huge but have lovely color like a Bloodgood. I would contact Topiary Gardens in New York State. She has over 400 varieties and I'm sure can recommend a tree that will do well in your area - she's just over the border from you! www.topiary-gardens.com/store/