Japanese Maples

There are a number of heat/sun tolerant cultivars, but none really will shine as well, in regards to leaf scorching and dramatic color changes, as they would if located in more temperate climates. Retail garden centers in S LA often carry Bloodgood and Sango Kaku Coral bark cultivars.

Of the 1/2 dozen or more sun/heat cultivars I have planted I’ve observed the “Baton Rouge” (coral bark cultivar) seems to have the least amount sun/heat/moisture leaf damage in mid- to late-summer. Even “full sun” cultivars will do/look better with some afternoon shade. If you are OCD in regards to leaf scorching in the heat of summer forget Japanese Maples.

I buy most of my heat tolerate Jap Maples from Mr. Maples LINK.

Check out shantung maples. They thrive in full sun.

There is a dwarf variety if you’re looking for a more ornamental tree

3-5 year adaptation, if it makes it. They are afternoon shade trees in the south, but have seen them make it. Going to be a few rough years before they climatize.

To piggy-back on Craw's post. I have had a Baton Rouge from Mr. Maple for about 2 years now in full sun. It has doubled in size and seems quite vigorous. I've got about 10 different Japanese Maples now. Several from Conifer Kingdom, several I bought in person at Maple Ridge Nursery in Atlanta, and several from Mr. Maple. The ones from Mr. Maple have all been bigger and stronger trees.

They all seem to go through phases of leaf burn and sometimes total defoliation. My BR had some leaf loss, but is currently budding back out with another flush of fresh leaves.

I can take a picture, it isn't much to see right now, but if I think about it when I get home I'll snap and post.

Does Mr maple ship? Or did you all go to NC to pick them up?

I ordered a couple BRe from Mr Maple today as well as several other Zone 9 weeping varieties for some shaded areas

Six or seven years ago I planted an improved variety called Emperor One Japanese Maple. It looks just like a Bloodgood but blooms about three weeks later. For people that live farther north that 3 week window allows them to plant the thing without frost hurting it. Mine stays that burgundy red all growing season whereas my two neighbors that planted Bloodgoods turn a more greenish color. Emperor 1 is also made to take the sun better.

LINK