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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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The Ugliest Winter Tree



My vote goes for Acer palmatum 'Shaina'. Don't get me wrong - this is a beautiful tree any other time of year (see photo below). During the winter months, the leaves cling to the tree and it is an unsightly mess. The leaves are also difficult to remove. I've tried using the rake but that doesn't work. The leaf blower didn't do a thing. Hand-picking is the best method although, as you can see, not too effective -



The new leaves are emerging and they will eventually push the old leaves off. It is just a matter of time -




Last May - 




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonApril 19, 2023 at 8:26 PM

    It looks like it's worth waiting for, Phillip! Maybe the tree's leaves provide it with some winter protection?

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  2. AnonymousApril 20, 2023 at 9:21 AM

    Ugly now, yes, but soon it will be gorgeous!
    I thought it was an indication of stress, but heard there may be a benefit to the tree when it hangs on to its old foliage, something that quite surprised me. It is possible it has value when it regrows new foliage.
    So hang in tight, it won't be much longer.
    Chavli

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  3. Hoover BooApril 21, 2023 at 1:25 AM

    Very interesting. It's certainly breathtaking in non-winter. The 'Emperor I' in the back gully here will cling somewhat to its dead foliage into winter but the Santa Ana winds are effective in pulling them off.

    Lagerstroemias always look dead in the winter and always surprise by leafing out just fine come spring. They fool me every year. You'd almost believe they have a sense of humor.

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  4. Linda BrazillApril 21, 2023 at 9:36 AM

    I initially hated the foliage on my Korean maples. But now I love having them as yet another color and texture in the winter garden. Though they usually have blown off by the time the new leaves arrive.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverApril 21, 2023 at 9:23 PM

      Texture is an interesting way of looking at it - I must do that!

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  5. Lisa at GreenbowApril 22, 2023 at 10:51 AM

    Texture, we all need texture in the winter garden. This tree is quite a beauty during summer.

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