Few Japanese Maples can boast a spring foliage display as impressive as their fall color, but 'Beni Schichihenge' is a wonderful exception. Its new leaves uncurl from crimson stems that keep their color all the way through summer and fall. With 5 to 7 long, slender, pointed lobes, the foliage is striking in shape as well as color, but the dark green base is edged in silvery-white and splashed in pink and orange, for an unforgettable spring display. The white edging remains into summer, and then the tree transforms itself again for autumn. Its name means "red and changeful," and 'Beni Schichihenge' certainly lives up to that with every season!In autumn, the foliage turns brilliant shades of orange and gold, remaining on the tree for several weeks before dropping. All Japanese Maples are spectacular in the fall, but this one offers colors so bright they seem to glow.
The dwarf habit of this tree makes it ideal for smaller gardens and, north of its hardiness range, containers. It reaches just 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide in 10 years, making it a fine accent for the front garden, patio, or any high-interest garden area. Put it in a large container on wheels and move it to a temperate location for winter north of its zone 5 hardiness limit; such dazzling color should not be missed!
Best of all, this Japanese Maple is highly resistant to leaf scorch, which has become a problem with many cultivars in today's hotter summers. Give it full sun in the north, afternoon or dappled shade farther south, and its foliage will remain fresh and colorful, unstressed by the brutal summer sun. It's hard to imagine Japanese Maples becoming any easier to care for, but 'Beni Schichihenge' has even achieved this! Don't miss this delightful small accent. Zones 5-8.
