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.

Acer palmatum 'Higasayama'

Strange maple. When it leafs out in the spring, it's really variegated (see photo of old leaves), then the new growth is green. The old growth does stay variegated, but the result is it looks kind of like there is something wrong with it. It seems easy, though, and vigorous.

Acer palmatum 'Goshiki Kotohime'

This is the second one of these I've had (2008 Forest Farm). The first one, I think I let it get too cold or dry or something. It's a shame, it looked nice. The second one is smaller. Supposed to be variegated, but I haven't seen it. Still, it is a dwarf and will do well in a pot, seems pretty easy and in time will get some size and look more like a tree.

Acer palmatum ' EverRed'

This was three times larger, upright growing. Another possible victim of Verticillian wilt. The top 2/3 died and I cut it off. It seems to be growing well, since that was a couple years ago and it has shown no other signs of wilt. In 2011 another major branch died, so its lifespan is questionable.

Acer palmatum 'Ever Autumn'

2011

Very cool, well-shaped maple. Dark green leaves with a nice luster. Seems really hardy and tough, I think I'll like it a lot. In 2011 has grown like a weed. Will need some shaping this winter.

Acer palmatum 'Eagle's Claw'

2011

Was in container until 2009. In 2011 looks good, but not really fast.

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Carol'