Peve starfish
‘Peve Starfish’ is a red Japanese maple with a rather upright, compact habit, remarkable for its deeply cut leaves whose lobes fold inward and curl downward, creating a very graphic “starfish” effect. The foliage starts bright red in spring, turns deep purple in summer, then transforms in autumn into a vivid crimson red. A rare cultivar, superb in a pot as well as in a small garden.
Character & interest
The key feature of ‘Peve Starfish’ is its texture: the lobes fold back, creating a raised leaf and a very recognisable foliage silhouette. The plant also remains interesting through the season thanks to new growth that is often redder, refreshing the colour on the darker foliage.
Colours
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Spring : bright red to vivid red.
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Summer : deep purple / burgundy (often intense).
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Late summer : frequent flushes of redder new growth.
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Autumn : very vivid crimson red.
Habit & vigour
Upright habit, often described as slightly fastigiate when young, then more balanced with time. Moderate vigour.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: around 2 m (sometimes 2–3 m depending on conditions and training). Estimates vary between catalogues; in a pot it generally stays more compact.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. It tolerates light well, but hot, windy sites can mark the foliage.
Origin & history
‘Peve Starfish’ is presented as an introduction by the Dutch breeder Piet Vergeldt.
| Groupe MS | 4. Convexum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Érigé compact |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Petit (1-2m) |
| Forme de feuille | Convexe |
| Couleur Printemps | Rouge vif |
| Couleur Été | Rouge sombre |
| Couleur Automne | Rouge écarlate |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
