Orange dream
‘Orange Dream’ is a very luminous Japanese maple, appreciated for its orange-yellow foliage in spring (often with a fine pink/red margin), which becomes yellow-green in summer before returning to yellow and orange tones in autumn. Its habit is bushy and well branched. An excellent variety to brighten a small garden or a terrace.
Character & interest
‘Orange Dream’ is an easy “golden” maple to place: it brings light without being overpowering, and stays decorative for a long period thanks to its changing shades. Dense branching helps it quickly form a harmonious silhouette, even in a container.
Colours
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Spring : very bright orange-yellow young leaves, often edged with pink/red.
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Summer : yellow-green to light green foliage (softer).
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Autumn : a return to yellow and orange (sometimes a stronger yellow-orange).
Habit & vigour
Bushy, well-branched habit, often upright at first then more rounded. Moderate to good vigour (often described as fairly regular).
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: around 2.5 to 4 m eventually (height and spread), depending on conditions and training. Some cultivation keeps it more compact in a container.
Exposure
Bright partial shade or gentle sun. Light enhances the colours, but protection from scorching afternoon sun and dry wind helps keep cleaner foliage (especially in a container).
Origin & history
‘Orange Dream’ is given as an introduction from Gilardelli nursery (Italy, Milan area), introduced around 1990. The cultivar received an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
| Groupe MS | 3. Aureum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Bushy |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Palmate |
| Couleur Printemps | Orange / Jaune |
| Couleur Été | Jaune-vert |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune / Orange |
| Exposure | Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
