Jerre schwartz

Character & interest

‘Jerre Schwartz’ is mainly sought after for its naturally compact habit: the witch’s broom mutation produces tight branching and a very full plant, easy to showcase in a container or a small garden. Its other asset is the foliage dynamics: even when the first spring colouring softens, summer flushes can take on pink-red tones and create a lovely contrast.

Colours

• Spring : pink-red / cherry-red foliage, evolving towards more purplish then bronze tones depending on conditions.

• Summer : greener foliage (often bronze-green), with pinkish/reddish new growth that revives the colour.

• Autumn : orange then red (often bright red, sometimes orange-red).

Habit & vigour

Upright and compact habit, very dense. Slow to moderate vigour, steady growth.

Indicative size

Order of magnitude: often around 1.5 to 2 m (especially in a pot and with restrained cultivation). In the ground and over the long term, some descriptions mention a greater potential (up to 3–4 m) depending on conditions and training.

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle sun. Protection from drying wind and scorching afternoon sun improves foliage hold (especially in a container).

Origin & history

‘Jerre Schwartz’ (often also written ‘Jerry Schwartz’) is presented as a witch’s broom mutation discovered and introduced by Billy Schwartz, from Green Mansions nursery (Pennsylvania, USA), and named in tribute to his mother, Jerre.