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Acers....I have 2 - a 3/4 yr old Senkaki which is green. Got it from RHS Wisley in March this year and is supposed to go through some nice colour changes....Hmmm, and then a fairly small potted Atropurpureum ( still in pot, the other went straight into the ground along with relevant compost and feed) Both are in semi-shade and shelter but I'm having awful trouble with leaf burn. Have done no foiliage feeding on either but did spray the Senkaki with derris due to blackfly back in May - no return since. They are both still producing new growth, however overall they look very sick.
The Purpureum was only a few quid from Homebase, but Sensaki was 45.
Not the money. I so want these trees to thrive. Have checked leaves, stems and soil for pests but nothing ',cept the aphids.
Anyone got any ideas? Please




Answers

 

Well, the first thing I would check is the watering. Potted and newly planted (< 1 year in ground) Acers need religious watering to avoid foliage damage. Every time they wilt, they come back browner.

The second thing I would check is the exact sun exposure. If they are in semi-shade, but the sun they get is in the hottest part of the day, they will get browning. 'Senkaki' might eventually adapt to the afternoon sun, say in a year or two, but the 'Purpureum' isn't likely to.

The third thing to check is the water quality. If the tap water you are using is very hard, or is run through a water softener, or is close enough to the coast to be brackish, the alkali and/or sodium is going to cause problems, including brown edges and chlorosis.

All of this is assuming that the new growth is being damaged, too, and it's not just left over damage from the drought this past summer.

16 Sep, 2010

 

The leaves of A. palmatum 'Senkaki' should be pale yellow green through summer, and yellower in autumn. The contrast with the red stems is lovely. If yours has green leaves, I might question its origins. I've got all mine in part shade as 'T' says, and out of drying winds which are more damaging than the sun. Phil J

16 Sep, 2010

 

Thanks guys. I'm pretty sure its not a watering prob, if anything the potted one could have been too wet and has some moss on the soil surface. It does look to me as if something has got at the Purpureum, it is much younger ( 2 yrs old max ) where the Senkaki is 4 yrs + I know some plants can take a year or so to aclimatise so will just keep an eye on things. Ps Philjeffs...the Sensaki does have pale green leaves and new growth is coming through paler still. No red stems tho. Too early, or has Wisley stiched me up? Surely not. Thanks again and all the best. Shimmyshyster.

23 Sep, 2010

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