Deshojo vs Katsura JM

[bonsairxmd]

Any thoughts and experience on hardiness in regards to heat and wind tolerance, potential for leaf burn, disease resistance as well as general suitability for bonsai between these two varieties? Trying to decide which one to get for zone 7. I have a sharps pigmy and shaina that have done well thus far here.

Thanks!

 

[barrosinc]

both rate to zone 6. I prefer the red of the deshojo than the yellow of the katsura... again, just personal preference.

 

[0soyoung]

'Orange Dream' is a similar and better cultivar than 'Katsura' IMHO; it is a very vigorous cultivar. In addition to the nice early spring coloration, 'Orange Dream' foliage turns to lime green in summer shade to yellow in summer sun, which produces a great color depth. Yellowed leafs are prone to dessication and need to be protected from breezes/wind - a little shade in late summer also helps. Fall color is 'meh'. But, of OD isn't available, get a 'Katsura' will do (actually the species Katsura = Cercidiphyllum is quite interesting as well for fall foliage).

Shin deshojo is very different. It has the most fantastic coral red on new growth that fades to speckled green with maturity (old 'deshojo' just goes green). New chishio is similar. Leafs of all are thin and dessicate easily in breezes/wind. Generally, acer palmatums that have fantastic spring/summer color are boring in fall - deshojo's and chishio are not exceptions.

Shishigashira (aka 'Lions Mane') is superb for bonsai (short internodes and small leafs) comes out green stays green all summer but turns a fabulous orange in fall.

In pots, acer palmatums are good to about 15F - below that their roots need protection. Wind is more the enemy than sun. Nectria canker is the most common affliction I see. Garden nursery people seem to be alarmingly ignorant of it.

WARNING: Opening the door on acer palmatum cultivars is akin to opening Pandora's Box --> life is hell

 

[bonsairxmd]

Great info. Thanks! I do have a Shishigashira as a potted patio tree that I plan to air layer for bonsai as well. I'd forgotten about that one.