Lileeane’s jewel

Character & interest

‘Lileeanne’s Jewel’ is above all a cultivar of variegation and contrast. The finely cut leaves (laceleaf type) show a changing mix of purple, pink, cream and sometimes white. The effect is often strongest on young growth, and it is not unusual to see very different leaf colours on the same tree (from white to clear pink, through to deep purple-brown).

Colours

• Spring : cherry-red / purple foliage strongly variegated with pink and creamy white (sometimes almost white leaves).

• Summer : variegation remains present but may become more nuanced; you often see a mix of purple, pink, cream, sometimes green.

• Autumn : red-orange to red tones (variable).

Habit & vigour

Often described as rather upright (shrub/small tree), with a possible “bushy” look depending on training. Slow to moderate vigour (still a rare cultivar; feedback varies with conditions).

Indicative size

Order of magnitude: often around 1 to 2 m in many growing situations (with a similar spread, sometimes more), but some sources indicate a larger long-term potential. Consider this highly variable (in-ground vs container, climate, plant vigour).

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle sun. Protection from hot afternoon sun is recommended to preserve the quality of the light-coloured areas (pink/white), especially in a container.

Origin & history

Several sources indicate that ‘Lileeanne’s Jewel’ was found as a chance seedling by Johnathon Savelich and named after his daughter Lileeanne. Others specify that the origin is linked to Del Louck’s nursery (Oregon, USA).
In Europe, it is often sold under the name ‘Extravaganza’, presented as the same maple (a commercial renaming according to some sellers).