Olsen’s frosted strawberry

Character & interest

The key feature of this cultivar is the contrast between a pale leaf blade and the network of veins: a very graphic look, almost “drawn”. The appearance varies with exposure (bright shade vs sun), making it a living collector’s maple to watch evolve through the season.

Colours

• Spring : pink to red with dark red veins (very strong reticulated effect).

• Late spring / early summer : foliage often cream or very pale, with the veins remaining clearly defined.

• Summer : tones may shift towards strawberry red, or towards greener/bronze shades depending on light and heat.

• Autumn : coppery-orange to orange/scarlet (depending on the year).

Habit & vigour

Slow growth, compact habit. Some descriptions mention a silhouette that can become more spreading, with gracefully arching / slightly drooping branches as it ages.

Indicative size

Order of magnitude: often described as a small tree around 1 to 2 m in the medium term (10–15 years depending on conditions), potentially larger in the ground. In a container, it usually stays more contained.

Exposure

Bright partial shade recommended. Protection from scorching sun (especially in the afternoon) helps preserve the pale areas and prolong colour intensity.

Origin & history

The cultivar is presented as a chance seedling selected by the nurseryman Harry Olsen.