Bronze age
‘Bronze Age’ produces very bright bronze–copper new growth, contrasted by greener—and sometimes yellow—veins. As the season progresses, the plant settles into greener/olive tones, and often flushes again with coppery shoots. In autumn, the palette shifts toward yellow to orange, sometimes with more nuanced tones depending on conditions.
Character & interest
‘Bronze Age’ is sought after for its contrast effect: a greener foliage base topped with bronze to purplish new growth, especially decorative when the plant is displayed at eye level (container/terrace) or placed at the front of a border.
Colours
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Spring : bronze/copper to reddish-brown, often with greener or yellow veining depending on exposure.
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Summer : green to olive, with tips/shoots that can remain coppery during growth flushes.
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Autumn : usually yellow to orange, sometimes more complex depending on exposure and temperature swings.
Habit & vigour
Upright, even habit. Medium to good vigour: the plant structures well without requiring special intervention.
Indicative size
Small tree, often reported around 2.5–3 m over roughly ten years (variable with soil, climate and training).
Exposure
Best results come in gentle light / non-scorching sun, but it can tolerate full sun. In hot or windy climates, bright partial shade helps keep foliage more regular and limits summer marking.
Origin & selection
‘Bronze Age’ is an American selection, distributed as a relatively recent introduction. It is attributed to Talon Buchholz (Buchholz Nursery, Oregon), who discovered/introduced it and registered it within this context of modern selections.
| Habit | Upright |
|---|---|
| Vigueur | Vigoureuse |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Shirasawanum |
| Couleur Printemps | Bronze / Pourpre |
| Couleur Été | Vert-bronze |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune / Orange |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
