So last May i.e. 2023, our 2018 planted specimen had unexpectedly leafed out with *zero* variegation (see included picture). (The previous year i.e. 2022 it had the desirable "white" foliage). Well here is a picture of the same tree today, one year later. As you can see there is again "total" variegation. Nothing else has changed concerning this tree. For example it is in the same location and so it has the same sun aspect (full sun) as well it is never fertilized, except for using home grown compost. Interesting eh?
It's what fascinates all us maple lovers and collectors, you just never really know what is going to happen from one year to the next. This is a great thread for those starting out in this hobby. ie 'Don't rely on anything with Japanese maples'.
Yes, it is really interesting that some JM's like 'Ukigumo' can do this flip flop between variegation and non-variegation and other cultivars have to have the non-variegation cut out or it is curtains for the variegation long term.
Some variegated plants, the variegation is a disease caused by infection by a virus. No idea if that applies in this case or not, but it could account for changes in variegation.
