Everything else being equal (size, price, etc), which of the following three would you choose and why? Orange Dream Sensu Ariadne Thanks!!
Ariadne 1st choice.. everytime whats not to like about it ,beautiful colour changes throughout the year.Starting with very soft subtle colouration then gradually getting more "louder" as the months progress plus you also get the lovely little fruit growths Have two of these now, picture of my 1st one made me buy another!!!! super tree. Orange dream 2nd choice..Have two of these as you know just good reliable trees really stand out when planted next to a good strong red or green tree.Gives you the burst of orange early in the year when everything else is just coming out, gives you a rush!!! Sensu can't really comment on these,one cultivar we don't seem to have over here? could be wrong but i have tried to find one to no avail. From the pictures i have seen it looks very impresive very colourful in the fall
+1 for Ariadne. Gorgeous in spring, interesting in fall, supports pretty heavy shade. Makes a big splash in the garden.
Thanks! Decided to go with the Ariadne. Second decision, same criteria as above; which one and why: Orange Dream Sensu Purple Ghost and Bihou (these are smaller) Dancing Peacock/Aconitifolium/Mai kujaku Peaches and Cream (nice size, but I do already have a small one) Also, quick question: I have seen many instances where Eskimo Sunset has been said to tolerate heat/humidity/sun, but I have just been told that it will wilt and die in said conditions and that if I do decide to get it, the seller won't warranty it. (The above choices are to replace the Coral Pink that I bought earlier this year and it developed significant blackening and some oozing spots at the base of the trunk, so I sent it back. He says it's now starting to leaf out...) Thank you again!
A few of these I am not familiar with, not seen them offered over here. However Acontifolium is a real stunner in autumn and I love the unique leaves. Mines in sun, no worries, always looks good and is robust. We have had high winds and low temps lately and I have been noticing some cultivars don't fair so well, peaches and cream seems to be one that has suffered. Acontifolium still looks pristine.
I think it's 'Esk Sunset' not 'Eskimo Sunset' (for the record). This is a great plant but you won't get fall colours. In full sun it will get a bit ragged looking towards the end of the year, IME. Bihou is a PITA, I don't know that anyone recommends this much now. Mine is still OK, but I can only anticipate future problems based on virtually everyone I've talked to. Further the leaves are altogether unspectacular. Aconitifolium is a one of the very best of all the JMs IMHO. The fall colour is unbelievable, spring is great, fab leaves, takes sun well. Some cultivars are popular for a reason, and this one has been for a very long time! Even more, produces great seedlings!
Acontifolium stunner of a tree but if ground planted this one will grow for fun!! had to lift both of mine last year and now in containers so i can keep them at a manageable level, plus i can also prune them into good round layered trees.Make sure you buy a multiple branched one also, other wise it can look a bit "spartan" and "leggy" after a few years. Easiest of the three to look after though, beautiful red and gold colours though. Purple ghost's another stunner as the name sugests they have a lovley delicate purple hue to them, like the shade though!!! both mine are well tucked away behind the workshop. Peaches and cream amazing colour changes throughout the year , july brings the white leaf with green veins and the beautiful soft red edging takes some beating.Then you have the lovely yellow fall leaf to finish.Again this one needs to be well shaded and protected from the winds. Whatever you pick i am sure you will enjoy.
