The small walled garden off of our bedroom needed a diminutive, delicate tree and the weeping cutleaf maple I found at a local big box store filled the bill perfectly. The tree grows very slowly and naturally forms a round dome. The leaves are very finely dissected and appear bright green in spring, turning to red in the fall. It occupies a small space in the garden and provided a beautiful backdrop for lady’s mantel, tiarella, cranesbills, and fern-leaf bleeding heart. The red and orange color in the fall is outstanding with mums in the fall, and the leafless weeping branches provide interest in the winter months with the hellebores planted near it. Azaleas and camellia planted near by provide color and contrasting foliage throughout the growing season. Does well in a container or as bonsai.
Type: Deciduous tree.
Outstanding Feature: Finely dissected leaves; excellent fall color; weeping branches.
Form: Round mound.
Growth Rate: Slow.
Bloom: Insignificant.
Foliage: Green, highly dissected leaves; excellent orange to red color in fall.
Size: 8-10’ H x 5-8’ W.
Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade in South.
Soil: Organically rich, moist, well-drained.
Hardiness: Zones 5-8.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance.
Propagation: Cuttings, grafting; seeds not recommended because of variability in offspring.
I have a weeping cut leaf maple several years old. This year I notice now the top of it the branch is exposed and the bark has split and is very dry looking. Is this some sort of fungus on the plant cause now it will be exposed to the summer heat when it comes and any future elements.
And what do I need to do to protect it.