drummondii maple getting darker

Discussion in 'Maples' started by fany7, Jul 5, 2013.

  1. fany7

    fany7 Member

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    hi

    this year the margins on the leaves of my maple are dark, you can still see from up close that the leaves are variegated, I hope it won't loose it's variegated look. The new shoots look ok though.

    Has anyone else has this happen? Will it ever be light again. Can I do something?
     
  2. emery

    emery Renowned Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Hello,

    They sometimes do this, it's likely that it will be OK next year. I don't know why the contrast is less some years.

    AFAIK there is nothing that can be done to stop it from reverting, except don't fertilize.

    -E
     
  3. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Here plantings going green is typical and green branches must be pruned out promptly if a variegated specimen is to be retained. This includes street trees that are highly unlikely to have been fertilized (or even watered).

    I know of very few 'Drummondii' (in this area) of any size that have remained constant. For this reason alone I would never plant it, apart from the fact that it belongs to a species that is a serious forest pest in the northern United States.
     
  4. emery

    emery Renowned Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    I agree, when branches go completely green, that is to say revert. But that doesn't seem what's happening here, rather the variegation is present but less marked than usual.

    I think most owners of this tree have seen this type of behavior during the odd year, maybe weather related. I have 2 large Drummondii that are fully variegated, but there have been years when they are less showy than others.

    If the trees have completely reverted of course, they are lost.

    Mine do throw reverted twigs every few years but I'm quick to have them off. This year there was a reversion at the very top of the crown, it was very difficult to get at even with ladder and pole, and I accidentally cut off a some unreverted branches. We stuck them in a vase, where they made a very fine table centerpiece for several weeks. I will probably do it again it makes such a nice bouquet, really attractive foliage.
     

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