Hello all, I am new to the forum and hoping I can get some advice from those more knowledgable than I am. I live in Virginia (winters can go as low as the teens, but not for very long; summers are hot and humid). I have a spot under a canopy of mature white oak which receives some direct morning sun and dappled afternoon sun. In all, it's a pretty shady spot (we have very happy azaleas and hellebores growing in the same general site. However, I would like to find a small (maximum 10 foot or so) ornamental tree to serve as a focal point in this area. Are there any acer palmatum that would do well in conditions such as these? If not, soes anyone have a suggestion for any other sort of tree that might do well? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Alyssa I have "Villa Taranto" in similar conditions ,for me is very actrative whit linear leaves, "Uki gumo"variegated leaves,or crataegifolium "Veitchii" for photo www.esveld.nl or maples photo in this Forum ....alex66
Allyssa --Check out this website for Eastwood Nurseries in Washington, Va. It may be close to where you live. http://www.japanesemaples.com/ They have a wide variety of Japanese maples, with excellent descriptions and photos on their website. They also have an open house in May, and it might be worth a visit. Also check out local nurseries in your area. There are so many varieties of JMs, that is difficult to recommend specific ones because they might not be available in your area anyway. Of course, you could always order on line, but you might find it easier to choose a tree if you see it in person. It sounds like the spot you have chosen would have good light conditions, which is important for JMs. Just make sure that the soil is not filled with roots from the white oak, as it's sometimes difficult to establish young trees under large trees with heavy root systems (particularly if shallow rooted). Also consider what kind of tree would stand out best -- such as red- or green leaved, feathery (dissectum and threadleaf varieties), etc.
