Acer palmatum 'Hogyoku'

2006 (Ebay) Very slow growing, leaves are waxy, thick and pretty all year long. Rated zone 5 if I ever have the nerve to put it out. The fall color in 09 was outstanding, which it is known for (supposed to be a pumpkin orange). Put into the ground in 2010 and lived through winter fine. Has made substantial growth (much happier in ground), but was almost destroyed by rabbits who ate 1/2 the bark on the lower half as well as tearing off a lower branch and digging deeply around the roots. Hopefully, it will be okay. Hasn't shown any negative effects as far as leaf wilt, etc. I put compost around the base and pieces of rock, plus a chicken-wire cage around the trunk.