... It is said to be a lovely small maple of 10 meters (30 ft) high. It is a unique type if not a unique species, which is currently placed under A fabri. They are from temperate region: remote regions in the provinces of Hunan, Hupei and Jiangxi. It is said that these are hardy and they could be deciduous. The allowable zones are 5 through 10. In colder regions, the old leaves fall in winter. It tolerates shade. Seedlings take at least 5 years before first bloom. They bloom in May and the flowers are red. The fruits last for extended period from May to almost the spring of the second year. The redness of the fruits deepens over the entire period. The fruits put up a spectacular show - they are mistaken as flowers by most people. Although it has long been listed as interesting and endangered, it only receives attention rather recently.

Dave, I saw what Lucille had written but never had the chance to discuss this with her. I'm not sure what variety or from whom she got her trees. I have to hand it to her for being brutally honest though. That's something you don't see in the sales world too much. I heard a lot of good things from so many other places about the tree. Maybe hers are still immature? Johnson Nurseries in Milwaukee has some that are spectacular, but can't seem to force myself to make the 5 hr trip (I can send pics if you'd like). Hoerr's in Peoria used to have them but have ran out. They also piqued my curiosity on another hybrid that's out there - A. griseum x A. mandshuricum. Some of the trees held their green leaf color so late though that an early frost hit before changing color. By the way, thank you for turning me on to her site and Sam's (I contacted you last year about places for an Acer shir. 'Aureum'. I had to replace it after the brutal spring we had here. It's seemed to survive the horrid August and September with just a little scorch. I've got my fingers crossed for next spring. Phil

The JM in my profile photo is a shirasawanum. More and more, I'm starting to appreciate the beauty of the shirasawanum cultivars. My favorite is Moonrise. It has a lot in common with Autumn Moon, but in my experience it's a tougher, easier-to-grow cultivar. Very healthy, very even structure, and amazing color all spring and summer. They are considered more hardy than Acer palmatum cultivars. I grow in 5b, but even in the polar vortex winters that were more like 4b in their temps, Moonrise didn't have any dieback. I also have Bashful, Yasemin, and Johin, and I love all of them for different reasons. Very beautiful trees.

Wonderful pictures Lynn! I've had my eye on Archduke Charles for a while now. Somehow the transition from pale pink to dark cherry on that rose seems so elegant compared to some other roses with more than one color. SdlM Rouge isn't a rose I've seen referred to often -- is it just like the pink one in fragrance and habit, or is it quite different? Stephanie, that is a brilliant idea for cake decorating! This opens up so many possibilities I had not previously considered. Gorgeous! Chris, I have never seen a better picture of Song of the Stars -- every time I try to photograph this rose I have a difficult time getting the color correct and the speckles contrasty enough. :)