Difference between A. palmatum 'Pixie' and 'Alpine Sunrise'?

Discussion in 'Maples' started by maf, May 14, 2021.

  1. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Hi, usually I know my maples without need for labels, but not always. A few years ago I bought 'Pixie' and 'Alpine sunrise' (might have been sold as 'Alpine surprise', not sure) as young grafts in the same mail order shipment. They were labelled and potted up in to the same size and type pots. Fast forward to the present day and I have repotted both in the last few weeks and neither has retained a label.

    As both are red dwarf types derived from witches brooms I am not sure which witch is which?

    I wonder if anyone has grown both and knows an easy way to tell them apart?

    At present one has bigger leaves and is darker than the other, but they have been sitting in different parts of the garden so that might explain colour difference. No pics as it is dark here, can post some tomorrow if it will help.

    Thanks in advance for any help...
     
  2. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Good morning M. I have Pixie but not Alpine surprise. Pixie is really a dwarf version of Bloodgood. The reds are very deep as is it's larger counterpart and the leaves are just smaller but identical. If they were side by side, Bloodgood could call it a 'Mini Me'.
    Not sure if this helps at all M, but it might point you in the right direction.

    D
     
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  3. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Thanks D. I have moved them next to each other and taken a picture. My gut feeling is that Pixie is on the right and Alpine Sunrise on the left, but not confident enough to write the labels just yet!
     

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  4. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    I see what you mean M. Here is a close up photo of mine on the 28th April this year.
    Pixie 207.JPG
     
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  5. MapleMO

    MapleMO Contributor 10 Years

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    I only have Pixie and would also pick Pixie as being on the right.
     
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  6. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Me also, so that's 3-0 to the one on the right being Pixie.
     
  7. Contact82

    Contact82 Member

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    Hi, I have a Pixie but not an Alpine Sunrise. I agree with you, I think that the Pixie is that one on the right. Mine has similar leaves and, for what I've seen on the web about Alpine Sunrise (pictures), there's a difference in the leaves dimensions.
     
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  8. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    4-0.......
     
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  9. Otto Bjornson

    Otto Bjornson Contributor

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    The pixie would be the larger leaf specimen (imo), 5 - 0....
    Here is our oldest one, approx 25 years in the container. The leaves are on the larger side for a dwarf cultivator which is typical of the growth habit of the pixie.
     

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  10. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Thanks all, opinion seems to be unanimous in favour of 'Pixie' having the larger leaves.
     
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  11. zfrittz

    zfrittz Rising Contributor

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    This is my pixie and I see the leaves a little different from yours
     

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  12. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Hmm, that does not seem like any of the pictures I have seen of Pixie. It looks like a new young plant though, maybe the leaves look like that because of excess fertiliser at the nursery and the growth will calm down after time? The internodes look very long also which again is not like Pixie which is a definite dwarf. I suggest observing the plant to make sure it is what it should be, and contacting the seller if it proves otherwise.
     
  13. zfrittz

    zfrittz Rising Contributor

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    This was bought at Maillot-erable.
     
  14. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    I looked at Maillot website and the leaves on their Pixie page do not have such large serrations as your photo. Sometimes young grafts produce different shaped leaves which is why I suggest observing the leaf shape and growth habit to determine if your plant is Pixie or not.
     
  15. zfrittz

    zfrittz Rising Contributor

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    It might be because he is very young.
     
  16. emery

    emery Renowned Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Or maybe, Maillot made a mistake. It can happen to any nursery. I had an error from Maillot (some years ago) and he graciously refunded the money for the plant.

    FWIW I agree with everyone else about which one is 'Pixie'.
     
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  17. zfrittz

    zfrittz Rising Contributor

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    And if it's not a pixie, what could it be?
     
  18. emery

    emery Renowned Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Who knows? :) It reminds me of 'Burgundy Lace' but I don't find that a particularly distinctive cultivar.

    Hope your doing well J. Cheers, -E
     
  19. zfrittz

    zfrittz Rising Contributor

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    Well, wait for new sprouts and see how it does it.
     

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