A newer introduction of what is likely an old Japanese cultivar. I'll let the photos speak for themselves. A very vigorous grower, this is a 2-3 year plant that is well on its was to doubling its size just this spring. It is often described as a "red-leafed" japonicum, a characteristic that has been long sought-after, but that desigation might be a stretch. This tree will quickly green-out in shade, but does seem to take on various shade of red when exposed to sun. All photos from spring 2005.
Great colors Michael. According to Van Gelderen's book, 'Aka Omote' (which I do not have) is similar to 'Meigetsu' which I have. While the leaf shape and size seem to be the same, the colors are not. 'Meigetsu' leafs out with darker browns, turning green rather quickly. Gomero
Hi Gomero, Thanks for the the comment. I do not grow Meigetsu, so it is nice to know that they might be similar. I am not sure that I have really seen a full sized leaf on this tree, but I have seen one picture of Aka omote grown in the shade and it is very open and the leaves appeared very large. This tree would be very at home in a woodland garden. I am enjoying it a great deal. Best regards, Michael
Adding back a few photos as well as adding in a fall color shot. Photo date; 4/10/05, 4/25/05, 5/20/05, 9/09/05/ 11/10/05 The fall color shot is of a second growth leaf so the leaf shape is not accurate, but I hope that the fall color is--it is quite striking. As I mentined earlier, it appears the plant might be suited for a spot in a woodland garden. I tried it in multiple places and exposures this year in a pot and had very little luck getting the leaves to hold up to our summer. While the tree was happy to put out good shoot growth and multiple sets of leaves (at least 3), I could not get the leaves to hold up. It looks like it will be fairly large, so I will need to find it a partially shaded spot with room to grow. This makes for an interesting problem, as to see the red color as long as possible we will want to have some sun--as a consolation, I don't think the red color will hold long regardless. MJH
The colors are a little different this year, but the vigor still apears to be the same. A very strong growing woody/rigid plant with an upright tendency in youth. Even in good sun exposure, we would be hard-pressed to say this is a red-leaved japonicum.
Hi Michael, 'Aka omote' is definitely different from 'Meigetsu'. I'll initiate a post on 'Meigetsu'. Gomero
Gomero, I look forward to the Megetsu thread. Until then, here is a photo taken 5/8/06 that shows any red overtone pretty much dissipated on this plant grown in partial shade and one rogue leaf, probably the product of an insecticide spray used for aphids.
This is a new plant for me. It's charming to watch the buds unfolding. Pic is first week of April but I got this from a western seller so it's a couple weeks ahead of other Japonicums.
I grow 2 of this cultivar. One is potted and grown in shade. It has a bushy shape and pale green colored leaves except the newest leaves which have a rosy cast. The plant in photo is in the ground in a spot that is very bright right now and will get a bit more shade as the season progresses. It has a very eye catching bronze-y, coral color. It is taking a very narrow upright form so far.
