So I just picked up this cultivar, and I'm curious what people think about its "protection" in the garden. I only have the 2nd edition of "The Book", and it does not list it. It does refer to Toyama Nishiki and Goshike Shidare, which are similar. The Book instructs to protect the plant in the shade, which will also enhance the variegation. However, perusing the photo gallery here for Goshike Shidare, it appears the opposite is true, in terms of coloration. Anyone with experience...can you advise? Also, as a general rule, do the variegated cultivars require more protection from hot summer sun? Thanks
In the Bay Area I would definitely recommend to protect the plant from direct sun in the afternoon. It is indeed a delicate maple. In my garden it receives only 3 hrs of morning sun and it is enough to get the variegation all right while avoiding leaf scorch. And, yes, as a rule most (but not all) variegated maples dislike full sun all day in hot climates like mine. In places like UK and Ireland this probably does not apply. Gomero
I am in the Bay Area and grow all 3 cultivars you mention. I grow mine in dappled sun under a taller tree because you do want filtered sun to bring out the variegation but not the harsh afternoon sun as Gomero correctly advises.
Thanks to both of you. So would you recommend I take these precautions now, or when the weather really starts to hot up? It's only 60's to mid 70's right now. Does it make any difference if I leave it in the stronger sun for now (in terms of intensifying variegation), or should I just go ahead and move it now?
I received pretty large Ap 'Hana Matoi' grown on a standard as a gift late last summer and placed it in full sun and it seemed to do fine. When the giver visited my garden in early fall he commented about it in being in full sun and we both agreed that since it doing well that I should leave it in its spot. So this year I will see how the tree does in full sun. One catch, I am in the PNW and they joke that we never have true full sun.
I would get it acclimated to good filtered, dappled sun now. My 2 Hana Matoi's have already "pinked" by which I mean their hue has softened to a less intense pink highlighting the gentle variegation that much more. Good luck with your new beauty!
Today I took a look at my Hana Matoi and the leaves are opening up. I am seeing a pink re similar to a shin deshojo along with a nice solid red. It did well its location last year but I planted it late in july. I will get some photos of it in the next week.
