Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn'

Discussion in 'Maples' started by kvolk, Oct 30, 2005.

  1. kvolk

    kvolk Member

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    I have figured out a place to put another maple. All it will entail is taking out a large ash tree and grinding out the stump! I am focusing on the japoicums and shirasawanums because of zone 5a. A Red Dawn would look great here. It's closest neighbor would be a gorgeous 4 ft A.p. 'Red Dragon'. It will have 4-5 hours of direct sun in the early afternoon. But in a few years when a large globe willow has to come out it will probably get direct sun until early evening-at least until some of the other trees get larger.
    Elmore--I have seen your pictures of the Red Dawn. How much sun has it tolerated for you? I have read that it has more vigorous growth than most Shirasawanum. Is this your experience? Does anyone have any recomendations for a source for next spring? Any reasons not to plant one? Thanks
     
  2. mjh1676

    mjh1676 Active Member Maple Society 10 Years

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    Re: A.s. 'Red Dawn'

    No reason not to plant it, but it is not so red if that is what you are looking for. It quickly turns to green in summer and overall, has a leaf shape, texture and habit of a japonicum. When I had mine planted in full sun here in southern Oregon, it would burn at the tips and margins, but not badly. I don't know if there is a shirasawanum that I really like for your application. There are some Japonicums like O'taki and O'isami and even Vitifolium that I might use before I would try a Shirasawanum. Brad does show good color on the tree he pictures, but I would say it does not hold, then again, maybe a bit of red color in the spring is worth it--the tree has not impressed me that much.

    I pictured my tree in October of 2004 it was about 2 years old and about 3ft tall as a single leader. We have since dug it up and it is now back in a pot at our new home.

    Yasemin appears to have a similar growth habit and I would say I like that tree better. It might be a bit more shrub-like, but seems more sturdy.

    MJH
     

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  3. kvolk

    kvolk Member

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    Re: A.s. 'Red Dawn'

    MJH--thanks for your input. I guess that I am looking for the perfect "patio tree". Our deck is enclosed on the east by the garage, the house on the north and a fence on the south. This tree will be in the corner between the fence and the deck so it would be somewhat protected. Part of the protection of this site however is the overhanging branches of the tree that I would take out. I would prefer a green tree with great fall color to one of the reds that is dark maroon/purple all summer. I am looking for more palmate than obicular leaf pattern. I have considered A.j. Otaki but have it in mind for another place in the yard. I planted a Vitifolium this fall. Perhaps I will look at one of the more hardy palmatums--even just a generic red. Perhaps A.p. Osakazuki would hold up OK for me. After all I have had a few palmatums including even a Coral Bark for 15-20 years in protected sites. THanks again for your input. I will ponder the problem all winter. WHatever I get will probably be planted elswhere until it gets a little size to it.
     
  4. mjh1676

    mjh1676 Active Member Maple Society 10 Years

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    Re: A.s. 'Red Dawn'

    I was thinking about some other possibilities for you like sieboldainum or a smaller snake bark, maybe one of the colored ones? Have you considered these?

    MJH
     
  5. Re: A.s. 'Red Dawn'

    I haven't really. Part of the problem is that no one seems to be able to tell me how they would do in our alkaline soil. How alkaline? I don't have numbers yet but have sent three samples to USU to have them tested. I am considering a Minnesota strain redbud if I can find one. I guess that I am still in a wait and see position on the shirasawanums also. I plated an Autumn Moon last spring.
     
  6. mapleman77

    mapleman77 Active Member

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    A cultivar that I would consider is 'Beni Hime' if what you say about the full sun is true. It is a very small dwarf that only grows to about 3 feet tall...and can take, and love, full sun. I have one right now that is absolutely stunning down here in Louisiana that looks best when it gets almost full sun all day.

    David
     

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