Sweet lorraine

Character & interest

‘Sweet Lorraine’ combines two qualities that are rarely found together: the finesse of a laceleaf (dissectum) and a reticulated effect that is especially visible in spring. The very finely cut foliage stays elegant all season, and autumn brings a warm, luminous finish.

Colours

• Spring : pink on young leaves, with darker green veins (reticulated/filigree effect).

• Summer : light green to green (the contrast may become more subtle).

• Autumn : bright yellow to orange.

Habit & vigour

Weeping habit (cascade), sometimes described as semi-weeping depending on training and the graft. Moderate growth, with development that generally remains contained.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• often listed at around 1.2 m at 10 years,

• an old specimen in cultivation was reported at about 0.9 m tall × 1.2 m wide after many years (indicative order of magnitude),

• the form (more “dome” or more “cascade”) depends greatly on the graft, staking and pruning.

Exposure

Bright partial shade recommended, or gentle (morning) sun. Protection from hot afternoon sun helps keep the foliage clean, especially on spring growth.

Origin & history

‘Sweet Lorraine’ is presented as a chance seedling selected and introduced by Talon Buchholz / Buchholz Nursery (Oregon, USA). It is often described as a newer introduction in the line of fine-leaved selections with strongly marked venation effects.