Ever autumn

Character & interest

‘Ever Autumn’ is sought after for its ability to deliver warm tones right from the start of the season, and to remain decorative over a long period. The foliage is generally large, with a clean outline, and the plant behaves like an easy, small garden tree that’s simple to stage as a specimen.

Colours

• Spring : green with pink/orange/red hues (a “already autumnal” effect on young leaves).

• Summer : green with a more or less visible reddish/warm cast depending on exposure and temperatures.

• Autumn : gold, orange, then red (often very luminous).

Habit & vigour

Upright habit, then more open with age. Moderate to good vigor, with steady growth if soil moisture remains stable in summer.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• often around 2 to 3 m tall,

• for about 1.5 to 2.5 m wide,

• some indications in favorable climates suggest greater long-term potential (variable depending on training and conditions).

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. ‘Ever Autumn’ is often described as handling sun well if the soil stays cool and moist (mulching recommended); in hot climates or in containers, avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Origin & history

‘Ever Autumn’ is presented as a seedling selected in the mid-1980s and named by Dan Heims (Terra Nova Nurseries, Canby, Oregon). Several sources agree on a garden seedling origin, with ‘Omure yama’ cited as a possible parent. The plant is generally considered a hybrid between Acer palmatum and Acer circinatum (vine maple), which may explain its tolerance and some vigor traits.