In search of a Shantung Maple in Metro Maples

April 18, 2023

One factor that may shock you about North Texas gardens is that they typically fall in love with Japanese maples. Within the leafy, old-town neighborhoods of Dallas-Fort Value, Japanese maples fill the understory with burgundy leaves and a ballerina’s grace. Whereas they want deep soaking throughout the dry Texas summers (and are solely appropriate for the jap third of the state, with Dallas-Fort Value solely on the periphery of that area), Japanese maples develop effectively in shade and deep soil.

A few of my North Texas gardener associates are additionally rising the sun-loving Shantung maple (acer truncatum). I used to be not conversant in this tree till not too long ago. seems that Shantung maple is a Texas star: “It resembles Japanese maple, however with far more resistance. This stunning maple has a spreading cover with engaging foliage that turns spectacularly purple, orange-red in late autumn. Tolerates warmth and alkaline soils. It makes an exquisite shade tree for smaller backyards.

I made a decision I needed to strive a Shantung maple in my very own backyard, particularly now that my backyard is a bit sunnier. However I could not discover any in Austin throughout the winter. So once I was in Fort Value a number of weeks in the past, I paid a go to to Metro Maples, a tree nursery beneficial by a number of native gardeners. Metro Maples is open by appointment, which I did not know, however they graciously made time for me once I confirmed up.

On that chilly, overcast day in late March, I wandered across the grounds, having fun with the colourful leaves and delicate, pendulous blossoms of the Japanese maples planted within the floor and on the market in pots. Some azaleas had been additionally in bloom.

Who says a shady backyard is simply inexperienced?

Whereas admiring the bushes, I met proprietor Scott Hubble, who labored on the nursery for a decade or so earlier than shopping for it from the earlier proprietor in 2016. Delicate-spoken however welcoming, Scott informed me concerning the nursery and his ardour for bonsai. . The entire place felt nearly like a pure park, peaceable and wooded.

Japanese Maple ‘Orangeola’

Japanese maple ‘Orange Dream’

The ruffled pink and white azaleas had been a lovely addition to the burgundy bushes.

There have been stunning pines too.

I had by no means seen a weeping Japanese maple earlier than, however Metro Maples had one: ‘Ryusen’.

A big maple, curled and curled

Look out for the claw-shaped leaves, fairly flowers and tiny moths consuming nectar on this Japanese maple. I did not perceive the title of the cultivar.

Japanese maple ‘Osakazuki’

autumn colour

A big koi pond enclosed by a Japanese-style fence provides extra orange.

The koi swarmed a howdy.

Behind the fence, I noticed a tall Shantung maple with a rounded cover of contemporary inexperienced leaves.

Metro Maples carries a number of Shantung cultivars with richer coloration and a smaller mature measurement, corresponding to ‘Tremendous Dragon’.

I made a decision on a 5 gallon Maple Shantung ‘Fire Dragon’ and planted it within the again backyard close to the deck, which I hope will shade finally. It is one in every of my sunniest areas, and I I planted high as I was advised. Shantungs do not prefer to have their crown set in moist soil, I am informed. I hope it grows quick and has a very good fall colour. It is going to be good to have some range amongst all of the oaks.

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going deeper

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