Acer palmatum 'Moonfire'

2005 (Byles) died. Bought another 2006 and although it is really scraggly-looking, seems to be okay. It was damaged by the 07 freeze, but seems okay. It needs to be pruned, but I have been hesitant to do so until it seems healthier. In 2011 amazing how much water this one has withstood. Still spindly, but healthy.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

2011

2008 (Topiary)I bought this because it's supposed to be a very hardy dwarf. I haven't gotten the nerve to put it out yet. It looks so good in a container. In ground 2010 and came through the winter fine.

Acer palmatum 'Kinran'

2011

2006 (Ebay?) This was a tiny stick, but it grew quickly and was planted out this summer (2009). I am hoping it will be as vigorous in the ground as in a pot, I would really miss it. It is rated zone 5. Love this maple. Have it growing on a raised bed right outside my front door.

Acer palmatum 'Kiohime'

2006 (Miyama) I have so many pictures of this one it's ridiculous. When I ordered it the grower said it was a 9 year old tree, so I was psyched. When it arrived, whoever packed it had just thrown it in a box, no packing or anything and about 1/3 of the limbs were broken off, some large. What a waste of a beautiful little tree. Still, it has grown like a weed and looks great. Had the best fall color this year that I've had. Transplanted fall 2010 and in 2011 has grown tremendously, doubled in size even after it was eaten in spring after I had pruned it severely over the winter.

Acer palmatum 'Kashima'

1998 (Forest Farm) One of my first. Not really outstanding at first, but is developing into an impressive speciment. I thought I lost it a couple years ago when we had a really late freeze...it was completely leafed out, but by the end of the year, it looked as good as always. I had to do some major surgery with two crossing branches in the center of it, but you'd never know it. It is starting to grow horizontally now, which it is supposed to do. In 2011 with record rainfall, it has almost doubled in size.

Acer palmatum 'Inabe Shidare'

2003 Not sure where I got this, probably Greenview. One of my favorites. It has been rock hardy, trouble free. The first place I planted it got too much sun, so I moved it and it is gorgeous every year. This picture is the fall color, but it holds its red color pretty well throughout the season. In 2011 continues to grow larger and more sculptural.

Acer palmatum 'Ibo Nishiki'

2006 (Ebay) This is known for its rough bark. Unfortunately, it takes years before it begins to show the "warty" bark. I plan to put it in the ground next year. It is really vigorous and actually grows too fast in a container. Other than the bark, it just looks like any old maple, nothing special. In ground 2010 and no problems 2011. Pruned severely (2011) to try to display the bark, which is beginning to look corky and rough.