Mila

Character & interest

‘Mila’ is a “full of surprises” cultivar: it doesn’t settle for a single colour, but delivers several strong scenes, from pastel budbreak to a flamboyant end of season. Its upright, open habit makes it an excellent accent subject, with a silhouette that reads clearly in the garden.

Colours

• Spring : pastel pink/red with green veins (often an orange “eye”/centre, or yellow-orange nuances depending on conditions).

• Summer : reddish-brown / burgundy foliage; during the season, bright red regrowth may appear.

• Autumn : an orange transition followed by scarlet red / bright red.

Habit & vigour

Upright habit, rather open (not “ball-shaped”), with good vigour once established. This is a cultivar that can form a true small tree, while remaining manageable in a container (large volume recommended) if watering is kept up.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• about 4 m tall × 3 m wide (figures often given),

• some sources suggest 4–5 m tall × 3–4 m wide at maturity (depending on soil, climate and age).

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. Light enhances spring tones and autumn colouring, while avoiding overly scorching and windy situations that can mark the foliage.

Origin & history

‘Mila’ is a selection attributed to Dick van der Maat nursery (Netherlands).

⚠️ Not to be confused: in France there is a cultivar marketed under the name ‘Mila Originel’, which corresponds to a different creation (selected at Nova Plants). As descriptions and origin are not the same, it is useful to check the label carefully at the time of purchase.