What do you guys think of this cultivar? Is it good to grow if I already have bloodgood and fireglow or will it be too redundant, i.e. being just another red leaf maple?
Oregon sunset is very close to Shaina with leaves bunched at the the end of shoots. It looks like Bloodgood but it's a dwarf cultivar so I would say it's a bit redundant for you.
With the color changes Oregon Sunset goes through in a growing season here, it is far superior a Maple and plant to most red leafed palmatums in my mind. I've had this Maple for over 20 years, long before most any of you have had it or even heard of it and it is still one of my most favorite of all the reds. If I had to do things over and could only have three reds Oregon Sunset will be one of them along with Sherwood Flame and the true form of Bloodgood. For a number of years Henderson Experimental Gardens was the only nursery in California that sold Oregon Sunset. Jim
Hi PoorOwner, You won't find much similarity to Bloodgood or Fireglow as Oregon Sunset is a member of the matsumarae group--it would be better to liken it to Burgundy Lace or another of the deeply divided group. Also similar to Sherwood Flame and Hessei. It is a fine tree making a small to medium bush or tree but not like Shaina, a broom which does have the leaves bunched. I like the fall transition of colors a great deal. I think it can be quite stunning in spring, but I have not seen that yet. It has not had any tip burn or leaf burning for me yet as many other trees have shown, so it appears to be quite sun tolerant. It would likely be easier to find for you than Sherwood Flame, but if you have seen Jim's photos of a mature Sherwood Flame in the Yubae gallery post, you just might want to have them both. If you haven't, see this link for some photos of my Oregon Sunset from earlier this year: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=6965&highlight=Oregon+sunset Michael
Here are some photos from today that I just took. The first is Burgundy Lace and Oregon Sunset and the others are Oregon Sunset alone. The last is fall color from last year right after I got the tree. The leaves on this tree can become a little larger and notice how deeply divided they are. MJH
Thanks Michael. It looks like your Oregon Sunset is doing pretty well. The leaves are interesting too and different from the palmatums like you said. I saw Mr.Shep's Sherwood Flame in the other post. Wow. Would like to see the 20 year old Oregon sunset too to see what the growth habit is like.
I share the views of Jim and Michael on this cultivar. I believe it is unique and worth a prominent place in the garden as I have done myself. For those wondering, here is a pic of an adult Oregon Sunset, unfortunately not the one in my garden. Regards
