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.
Just thought that since there aren't any photos showing a more mature tree I would post one. Taken May 1st this year. It has been quite the trouble free tree and I hope it will continue. We have extremely hot summers here and it does get crispy leaves in August, but so far it is doing well. It is probably 15 feet I would guess.
Beautiful against the blue sky. Btw how is your Crimson Carol doing? Does it compare well to Hefner's red select ?
Derek, thanks for asking! It is doing fine. I does seem to want to hang over the fence so I keep using bungee cords to pull it together. Not sure that is the best way to handle it. It probably is just a wide growing tree naturally and maybe I'm expecting too much from it. So interesting to me that we are always looking for shade for japanese maples and yet the trees themselves seem always to be seeking the sun.
Hi C, yes still looking nice, it's great to see if again, I think you are the only one on the forum to have this cultivar and yes they all reach for the sun and especially the reds. Re training, it does not matter what you use as long as it works.
Well I guess I had to get one since it is named Carol. But—I have seen it spellled Carole so I don’t want to lead anyone astray on the correct name. I will put a photo in the photo gallery for it since there isn’t an entry.
