Nathan

Character & interest

‘Nathan’ belongs to those cultivars that deliver an immediate visual impact at budbreak: the contrast between the pale background and the darker veins catches the eye, even from a distance. Its appeal continues through the season thanks to its changes (greener in summer, warm tones in autumn), making it an excellent accent plant—especially in front of a dark background.

Colours

• Spring : peach / pink to pinkish-orange, with dark green veins (reticulated look).

• Summer : green (often light green to green), with a reticulated effect that may remain visible depending on the shoots.

• Autumn : orange to red (often crimson in good light).

Habit & vigour

Bushy to rounded habit, sometimes multi-stemmed. Slow to moderate growth: it structures well and remains easy to place, especially in a container.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• around 2.5 m is a commonly indicated height,

• some references give 2.5 to 3 m (with a comparable spread),

• in favourable conditions, estimates around 2.5 to 3 m at about 10 years are also found.

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle sun. To preserve the pale areas and overall foliage quality, a sheltered position (dry winds, scorching afternoon sun) is recommended.

Origin & history

‘Nathan’ is an introduction associated with Plantentuin Esveld (Netherlands), listed as introduced in 2001. It is often presented as a selection made by Cor van Gelderen (Esveld).