Waveleaf
‘Waveleaf’ is a recent selection with reticulated purple foliage: at budbreak, the leaf blade shows pink-violet to lavender tones, highlighted by a network of very dark veins. The lobes are slightly wavy/curved—hence the name. As the season progresses, colours deepen toward richer purples, then finish in autumn with orange-red to purplish red depending on conditions.
Character & interest
‘Waveleaf’ stands out for a very graphic effect: highly coloured, strongly reticulated foliage with veins that read clearly. The naturally wavy margin adds relief, especially noticeable up close.
Colours
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Spring : pink-violet / lavender to rosy red, with very dark veins (strong contrast).
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Summer : shifts toward purple to deep red tones, sometimes more “violet” depending on exposure.
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Autumn : orange-red to purplish red (exact shade varies with season and light).
Habit & vigour
Upright, well-defined habit. Moderate vigour (a good balance for a very colourful cultivar).
Indicative size
Recent cultivar: final dimensions are still poorly documented. Common estimates suggest around 2.5–3 m at about 10 years in good conditions—best taken as a guideline.
Exposure
Best results in gentle sun or bright partial shade, sheltered from drying winds. Too much light can harden/darken colour and mark the foliage; too little light reduces the reticulated contrast.
Origin & history
‘Waveleaf’ is a recent introduction attributed to Talon Buchholz (Oregon, USA).
| Groupe MS | 14. Reticulatum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Matsumurae |
| Couleur Printemps | Rouge pourpre |
| Couleur Été | Pourpre |
| Couleur Automne | Orange / Rouge |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
