Fall red tips
‘Fall Red Tips’ is a Japanese maple with very bright green foliage at budbreak, often chartreuse with a fine purplish margin. In summer, it turns a true green, then offers an original autumn display: the leaves first turn golden yellow, then develop red tips along the edges of the lobes (“red tips” effect), and may sometimes shift towards a stronger red. A fresh-looking, changeable cultivar, well suited to small gardens and container growing.
Character & interest
The main appeal of ‘Fall Red Tips’ is its multi-stage autumn colour: a luminous yellow base, then a finish with small red touches at the tips of the foliage, creating a very decorative contrast. In spring, the chartreuse tone and slightly purplish margin also add a lovely brightness. As is often the case with “edge / tip” effects, intensity can vary depending on climate, exposure and vigour.
Colours
-
Spring : chartreuse to very light green, often with a light purplish margin.
-
Summer : rich green.
-
Autumn : first golden yellow, then red tips appear; sometimes a final phase of vivid red (depending on conditions).
Habit & vigour
Rather upright habit, with moderate growth. The shoots are described as green.
Indicative size
As a guide: about 2 m at 10 years. Some estimates indicate around 3 m by 15 years (variable depending on conditions and training), with a width often around 1 to 1.5 m.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. To encourage strong autumn colour and good foliage hold: avoid dry wind and scorching afternoon sun, especially in a container.
| Groupe MS | 11. Palmatum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Palmate |
| Couleur Printemps | Vert / Rouge |
| Couleur Été | Green |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune / Rouge |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
