In Maples for Gardens it is said that this selection comes from Jiro Kobayashi in the early 90's. According to them it maybe identical to Filigree. Peter Gregory, in the Pocket Guide to Japanese Maples, says also that it is similar to Filigree. He gives an adult height of 2.5 m. I wonder why it was named if it is identical to Filigree. In my garden Suisei (which has been in the ground 3 years, morning sun, propagated by Esveld) is more vigorous than Filigree and with larger leaves but I do not pretend this to be their true behaviour. Pictures taken April 13th this year. Gomero
It looks different to me. I suppose you can't make any conclusions unless you see them both for a while, but the filigree I am accustomed to holds its leaves up before they bend down in a very distinct fashion. This tree has a different feel to me.
Hi Alex, We probably got them from the same supplier ;o)). The first pic below is a close up and confirms the slight reticulation (green leaves with dense streaks of pale cream and yellow on each side of the green center). The second pic is late summer and the third Fall which looks like yours. Gomero
OK, my Suisei is a baby plant, one I've been wanting for years but had not been able to find until last fall. I do see major similarities to Filigree, but of course I will have to wait like everyone else for the years to pass to see the differences or the similarities emerge. This is what makes our interest in JMs so special.
