Here is a friend's Acer palmatum 'Rugose'. A rather drab looking, large leaved tree with unusual growth habits and reputedly striking fall coloration. I've got to get one.
When I read the Vertrees/Gregory description (in the 3rd edition of "Japanese Maples") of this cultivar, that it "cannot be classed as beautiful, is of interest because it is unusual and because of the dramatic change from an ugly duckling in summer to almost a beautiful princess in the fall," I knew I had to find one. So here is mine, this photo taken May 9, 2008, and as you can see, it's in its ugly duckling phase. Like most of my other JMs, this one struggled a bit this spring due to hard frosts each night through all of April. However, I am patient and hope to post a photograph of a beautiful Rugose this autumn, when I expect it to turn a bright crimson.
Hi Mapledia, great pic. I've been looking for this plant all year on the west coast. Could you let us know where you found your 'Rugose'? Regards Cirque
I just got one from Topiary Gardens. www.topiary-gardens.com Described as : I'll try to post some pictures of my plant tomorrow. Here's the picture from the Topiary Gardens web site.
OK, Here are a few pics of my plant, which I just recieved a few days ago. I don't think its an ugly duckling at all! (Yes, it was just watered).
Here's a couple pics of my small 'Rugose'. I've only had it for a couple months now, and can't wait for it to get bigger. Very interesting Fall colors. Cirque
Ok. This one just made it to the really short list. And I don't think it looked like an ugly duckling either.
