I was talking recently with Diana Smith of Topiary Gardens about my reddish 'Dr Tilt' which has wilted recently and Diana mentioned that there are TWO 'Dr Tilts' - the reddish-leaved one pictured on Maillot and which Esveld knows and light-green with pink blush one pictured under 'Dr Tilt' in Gregory's new 4th edition (propagated by Harold Johnson). Only a few years ago I heard of 'Dr Tilt' at all and now I find there are 2 which seems quite remarkable. I would like to get one of the Harold Johnson light-green 'Dr Tilt' 's and wonder if anyone knosw a source in America? Thank you.
I am going out on a limb here but I am pretty sure this cultivar was named by Harold Johnston, who operated a nursery in this part of Alabama for many many years, after a local Ag professor at Auburn University, Dr. Ken Tilt. Enclosed are 2 references that tie the 2 together. Many people graft and collect maples locally due in large part to Harold's influence and passion for these plants. I dont have this cultivar in my collection but I will try to check locally to see who may have this one and get back to you... Justin http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/agillustrated/Winter06/maples.html http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/faculty/ktilt.html Addendum: Here is a picture of what I think is the original plant on Auburn's campus and another reference by Dr. Ken Tilt showing red fall colors. Picture from 2002 or sometime before. http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/STGOdecember2002.html
Justin, Thanks to your articles I just spoke with Harold Johnson who is a wonderful 81 year old maple enthusiast who has introduced Abigail Rose, Wetumpka Red, Beni shien, Johnnie's Pink, Crinkle Leaf etc. It is Harold's 81st birthday today April 28th so I was honored to speak with the birthday boy himself. Peter Gregory has Dr Tilt wrong in the 4th edition - Harold's Dr Tilt is the red one I had. Harold said he knows of no green Dr Tilt at all so we are back to only 1 Dr Tilt which is the red one. I will tell Peter of the error on page 121 & the photo on 122. As a wonderful aside, I asked Harold's wife of 65 years how she got the name "Johnnie" which is her real Christian name and she said because her Dad desperately wanted a boy (he had 3 girls!) and I told her that Johnnie's Pink is one of my favorite early Spring maples. Thank you, Justin!
You bet- I am embarrased to say I have never met Harold but have met literally dozens of people that he touched with his hobby and business and they in turn have touched me. Either way, I have lots of respect for Harold and hope to add more of his additions to my collection and meet him in the near future.
