beautiful maple from www.fessiafabrizio.it or http://www.crug-farm.co.uk/ second season in my garden very beautiful in spring!
The second flush of growth in summer shows the same colours too, very nice. Somewhat frost-tender, but quite a vigorous grower, though mine is definitely more shrubby than Alex's. Leaves are quite large and leathery, but retain the purple colours nicely as they grow before turning the dark green on the lower leaves here.
Indeed a very lovely plant. How hardy is it, does anyone know? Will it survive -15C, for example? -5? (I do know that even more tender plants will occasionally survive a quick dip, but asking the question practically here). Thanks -E
Too early in my garden to tell Emery, first year with me. I'm leaving it potted for now so I can move it in case of any problems. I'm hopeful, though, A. oblongum does ok with me and I think this should have similar hardiness. Apparently, this example lost some of its leader due to frost last winter in North Wales but we did have a very warm November leading into a suddenly cold December in the UK. My oblongum was still putting out growth that hadn't hardened fully by the time the frosts (and snow) hit so suffered a bit then but came back strong by spring. I'm hoping for the same from A. sikkimense. It certainly has grown back past where the previous leader was cut back to. Probably in a similar zone to yourself in Normandy, as I'm on the south coast of the UK (zone 8) so I'll report how it makes it through this winter if you're interested in giving it a try!
I have this one, sent by -E (thanks a lot mate!). But I wonder if it's sikkimense or metcalfii (May and June 22):