Hi all- I’m new to this forum and I’m hoping for some help with identifying a variety. Pictures are taken today in Virginia, USA. Fall color is a more striking red. I’d also love some advice on how to propagate this tree. I know I’ll be moving in the next couple years and would like to grow one like it over my Lifetime. I have many seedling from this tree but It seems almost all the varieties are grafted. Thanks to everyone in advance for lending your expertise.
Air-layering it would be the best option IMO, especially since you have at least "a couple of years" to get good results. You can try now, or later until mid-June here, but I think in Virginia where I think it's warm longer in the season, mid-July could be OK. Some cultivars air-layers take only 2-3 months before being removed, but it may vary depending on the climate, the cultivar, etc. The first ones I successfully did were based on this article from Harry Harrington, who lives in a milder, and I think a bit rainier weather : Layering techniques for Bonsai About the name of the cultivar : it looks like a cv from Acer palmatum amoenum, maybe just Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'. I have a much smaller one that looks about the same.
Herons bonsai on You tube give a tutorial on air layering, @AlainK is the expert on Bonsai so I would take his advice as I hope to with an Oak at a later date, but I enjoy learning from instructional videos, so thought I would suggest this to you. Do love your tree btw, it looks 80 years old plus.
@AlainK , well I'm impressed by your knowledge, so hopefully George will take your advice. I would love a tree like his in my garden, such a shame he has to leave it behind. So much character!!!!
