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Is this normal?

Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
in Plants
Afternoon everyone,

We bought a Sango Kaku Acer tree (see photo) last year and I planted it about 3-4 months ago. I was under the impression that it was a slow growing variant but over the past few months it looks to be growing at a fast rate. It has grown lots of long branches with leaves much larger than the rest of the tree. Also the branches aren’t as red as I was expecting infact sone are just green. 

Is this normal? If not what might be happening?

Many thanks,

Ed

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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - they can sometimes put on a bit of slightly 'odd growth' 
    The colouring will sort itself out as it gets established in the ground too. It can take many months for that to happen.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Ysera27Ysera27 Posts: 41
    Regarding the colour, I think the red is the autumn colour.

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/acer-palmatum-sango-kaku/

    I would look up some shaping/training videos on YouTube. It looks very healthy 🙂

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Getting its roots out into the soil has probably given it more nutrition than it had in the pot, so that it put on a growth spurt with bigger and lusher leaves. It should grow the typical leaves when it comes into leaf next spring.
    When I read the question I thought it might be reverting/suckering from the rootstock, but that upright branch looks as if it's grown larger leaves on the same branch that already had smaller ones, so that's not the problem :)

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Follow the new strong growth back and check that it isn't originating from below the graft point.  If it is, they are growing from the rootstock and not the grafted tree on top, so would need to be removed, or they will take-over and the grafted variety will die.
    However, it could just be that it is very happy now it has been planted in the ground and likes it there.  If that's the case, you may need to do a little formative pruning:
    but these things usually sort themselves out in a few seasons if left alone.
    If you're not sure about the graft point, please take some close-up photos of the base of the trunk and where the strong new growth is attached to it.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
    Thanks everyone, you're very helpful as usual.

    I'll keep doing what I'm doing and check have a look at some more info on it too.

    Many thanks
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think it's the stems @Edward.francis is concerned about @Ysera27, re the colour, although the change in foliage can also be reliant on weather as well as variety. 
    The only thing to worry about would be if top growth was dying and any new growth was from lower down - ie below the graft, but it doesn't look as if there's any problem with that - lovely and healthy looking  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 123
    BobTheGardener said:
    Follow the new strong growth back and check that it isn't originating from below the graft point.  If it is, they are growing from the rootstock and not the grafted tree on top, so would need to be removed, or they will take-over and the grafted variety will die.
    However, it could just be that it is very happy now it has been planted in the ground and likes it there.  If that's the case, you may need to do a little formative pruning:
    but these things usually sort themselves out in a few seasons if left alone.
    If you're not sure about the graft point, please take some close-up photos of the base of the trunk and where the strong new growth is attached to it.

    I will check the graft point later but I'm almost certain these are all above. As @JennyJ said the branch coming out the top has both small leaves and larger leaves. 

    I will double check later though and will post a photo for you to have a look.

    Thx
    Ed
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Snap @BobTheGardener and @JennyJ - we were all posting at the same time!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited September 2021


    Zooming in....it looks as if all vigorous growth is from one branch, flopping in different directions ......which makes me suspect  sucker from below the graft,  as  Jenny and Bob have mentioned.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited September 2021
    I think you're right @Silver surfer. Much easier to see with the pic turned round!

    The only thing is - the branch that @JennyJ mentions - different foliage on the same stem/branch. Not sure. 
    Perhaps @Edward.francis could take a look at the points where the stems/branches leave the main trunk, as @BobTheGardener says.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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