Coloration I believe it’s a myth or false advertising, often perpetuated by JM (Japanese Maple) trades, that Japanese Maples are a 'what you see is what you get' plant. This simply isn’t true. Over the years, I’ve grown many varieties of Japanese Maples, some of which have been with me for years and gone through numerous seasons. Their coloration is rarely identical to how they’re depicted on sellers' websites or even in nurseries. Factors like season, temperature, sunlight, and soil chemistry play a significant role in determining the colors your Japanese Maple will develop. I remember years ago, I was captivated by the deep orange beauty of a Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Ornatum’, that I saw in the Portland, Oregon Japanese Garden. I eventually sourced one for my garden in Georgia (Zone 7B). However, when its leaves began to turn orange here, they often browned and shriveled along with the orange tones. Don’t get me wrong—the tree is beautiful in my yard, but it doesn’t look the same as the one I saw in Portland or the pictures online. This has been true for many other varieties I’ve grown as well. Over the years, I’ve learned through experience that the appearance of Japanese Maples can vary greatly depending on their environment. Picture Source Flickr (cheryl_hill)
Here's mine when it was a baby Then I had to relocate to her permanent spot where she most often loses leaves by the time all leaves turns orange (and depending on the season, coloration is not consistent)
Aye, true. But some can be very close to what is advertised. Here's my 'Shishigashira', potted for several years, beautiful as it is supposed to be :
That’s a beautiful Shishigashira! I have one planted in the ground, but I plan to reposition it early next year as it’s getting crowded by a chestnut and a pawpaw tree. Keeping yours in a pot might be a great idea—it gives you the flexibility to place it where it looks its best.
I have found that the fall colours can change when the same plant is moved from a pot to the ground. For example one cultivar that was intense red/orange when grown in a pot for many years but has transitioned to mostly yellow fall colours now it is in the ground. Maybe it was a lack of nitrogen in the original pot, or a change in pH between the two growing environments? I guess I will never know, but it proves to me that cultural conditions can have a big effect on autumn colours.
Agreed, that has been the experience so far after experiencing with several maples thus far. Also, as I was stating earlier on my OP, also experienced that with few cultivar that didn't deliver how they were advertised (or supposed to color up) . Thanks for sharing your experience!
Yes, I should add that if moving a JM to a different soil environment within the same garden can make such a big difference, then moving one across a continent to a different type of climate is also likely to have a big effect on how it looks in the fall. An example is Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'. My tree just turns brown and the dried leaves stick around for a while. Any time I have seen one in a UK arboretum in autumn it has looked the same. Yet I see pictures of 'Aureum' from people in different climates with gorgeous fall colours. I haven't noticed much of a difference with spring colours of JM's and that may be more true to the 'what you see is what you get' advertising claims. I guess that makes sense in that spring is a fresh start, but by the time fall comes around differences in soil chemistry and climate and sun exposure will have seriously affected the leaves.
Absolutely, I couldn't agree more. The issue is that many nurseries and online sellers fail to provide clear information, misleading customers - especially beginners - into thinking they're getting a tree that will look a certain way, thrive at a specific time of year, or tolerate particular soil conditions, whether in a pot or planted in the ground. To better manage expectations, they should include disclaimers, similar to those found on other online purchases, to ensure transparency and avoid disappointment. I’m not really frustrated by how my JM turned out over the years. In fact, I love them. I just wanted to share my observations. That Acer Ornatum displays an amazing mix coloration of Red, Green and Orange and sometimes in bi/tri color post Spring
I'll add to this my experience with the Japonicums, renowned for their spectacular autumn color. I've had Green Cascades, Mai kujaku, and Yama kage for many years, and have never seen great fall color with any of them. Some years maybe good color, but more often just so-so. And in hotter years, Green Cascades just goes straight to brown. Years ago, I helped my son with his middle school science fair project. We used a potted Mikawa yatsubusa located in full sun to demonstrate the difference sun exposure makes to fall color. Just before the leaves began changing colors, we built a canopy out of stiff paper that covered half of the tree, shielding it from the sun. Three weeks later, the two sides of the tree were in full fall color but could not have looked more different. The shaded side was dark reds and purples, and the sunny side was bright yellows and oranges. Ever since then, I have chuckled to myself a bit when I hear or read of a description of exactly what a cultivar's autumn color is. BTW, the fall color champion in my garden is just good old Beni kawa. Consistently spectacular.
Aforementioned Beni kawa, photo taken moments ago. My fall foliage photos never seem to match what my eye sees, but trust me, this thing looks like a flame!
...and as if Yama kage knew I had told the internet he never has great fall color, he decides to have his best fall ever! Ha
