Candice Meade
Newly Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:31 pm
Location: Beckley, WV

Japanese Maple changing color- Is it dying?

Just purchased a crimson laceleaf japanese maple (so the tag said) but it was green when I purchased it. After planting, it's turning color - somoewhat crimson , somewhat brick color. I'm not sure if the tag was wrong and it's dying or if this process from green to crimson is normal? Can someone give some advice?

User avatar
Sage Hermit
Green Thumb
Posts: 532
Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:20 pm
Location: Finlaysen, MN Coniferous Forest

seems to be ok judging by its name alone. some more experienced folk will roll through here shortly ma'am. just passing by.

The Helpful Gardener
Mod
Posts: 7491
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
Location: Colchester, CT

'Crimson Queen' is a recognized cutleaf cultivar, and the brick color is closer to reality than the "crimson", and there is a selection on 'Bloodgood' called 'Crimson Prince' but I do not know just plain 'Crimson'. I think you're fine; a picture always helps...

HG

User avatar
IndorBonsai
Senior Member
Posts: 268
Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 5:15 pm
Location: Seattle area WA

If it is turning the same color as my Crimson Queen ( right hand side of picture) than it is normal and doing good :)

[url=https://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=garden1c.jpg][img]https://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4070/garden1c.jpg[/img][/url]

Here is a closer view of the leaves.

[url=https://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crimsonqueen1.jpg][img]https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7075/crimsonqueen1.jpg[/img][/url]


sorry the pictures are not that good but it is pouring down rain and I dident feel like getting drenched taking those pictures :)

The Helpful Gardener
Mod
Posts: 7491
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
Location: Colchester, CT

Nice tree IB; about ten years old or so?

Is that the tree Candice?

HG

User avatar
IndorBonsai
Senior Member
Posts: 268
Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 5:15 pm
Location: Seattle area WA

I am not sure exactly what it is or how old it is. It was here hiding under weeds when we moved in. The trunk is pretty big tho.

[url=https://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jmaple1.jpg][img]https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9571/jmaple1.jpg[/img][/url]

Here is a better picture of the leaves

[url=https://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jmaple2.jpg][img]https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4679/jmaple2.jpg[/img][/url]

It was in pretty bad shape. I did some trimming toward the end of last summer. It still needs some more but have to wait till later.
It is looking alot better than it did when we bought the place :)

Also I think it might be a graft , this nub has different leaves on it .

[url=https://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=graft.jpg][img]https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9153/graft.jpg[/img][/url]

The Helpful Gardener
Mod
Posts: 7491
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
Location: Colchester, CT

That branch is definitely the graft (probably 'Atropurpureum', the paret for 'Bloodgood'; most dissectum types are grafted on upright stock for the better rooting). Cut it flush to the collar and monitor for new shoots, buit it willl rob the 'Crimson Queen' and outgrow it quickly, so elimination is necessary...

I'm in the right ballpark at ten to twelve, methinks...

HG

User avatar
IndorBonsai
Senior Member
Posts: 268
Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 5:15 pm
Location: Seattle area WA

Thanks Scott :)
Also I thought it was better for the tree to wait till around mid summer to cut something as big as that nub off my tree?

I have been cutting the new growth and leaves off the nub tho trying to focus the energy to the rest of the tree. Is this a good way to deal with the problem until I cut this little limb off ?



Return to “Japanese Garden Forum”