Acer palmatum atropurpureum 'Bronze' |
Native Region: Japan
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Full to semi sun; well draining evenly moist soil.
Harvest Date: Monday 12 November, 2012
Seed count: 10-12
Description:
This graceful multibranched tree/shrub reaches 3 meters at maturity and a handsome addition to any landscape. Its reddish pink colouring of the emerging Spring growth lasts for a month or so before taking on more greenish hues (thus a bronze) for the summer. In Autumn, the reddish colouring returns and intensifies providing an incredible and much needed 'retina blinding' display before leaf drop and the gloom of our west coast winters descends. When grown in shady conditions, the leaves are more green. Its vigour makes it a great candidate for bonsai. The maximum size an Acer palmatum reaches is all dependant upon the size of the root ball.
Notes:
Easy to grow from seed, but growth can be slow for the first couple of years as it puts down its roots. Growth can exceed 30 cm after the third year. This seed mother produces variable leafed seedlings from the regular leafed to dissectum and a few with leaves resembling whiskers. I'm keeping the seedlings with pink margins.
Cultivation:
Will be cold moist stored as all Acer seed loses viability when dry. Place seed in tepid water, sow immediately those that sink. Soak floating seed 12-24 hours until it sinks and sow immediately. Sow thinly at 6 mm deep in a sandy peat layer; tamp firm. Cold strafify for 60-120 days. Keep moist. Add a thin layer of fine mulch. Don't let germinating seed freeze, dry out or migrate onto the medium surface as this is fatal. After cold stratification period is over, expose to spring conditions to promote germination. Good indirect light is best for seedlings. Protect seed/seedlings from varmits. I prick out seedlings when dormant and grow in individual pots for first 2-3 years for best results.
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