Hello and thank you for reading my question.
I planted a Paperbark Maple 18 months ago, so this is its second autumn with us. It is planted in almost full sun – it probably gets about 7 – 8 hours of sun. It seems quite healthy. I was a little worried about it last summer as many of the leaves were curled, but I think it was from the shock of the move and the planting. This year, the leaves were perfect. Until now. I am really bummed that the leaves are not turning colour AT ALL. They are still extremely green, if perhaps a little more dull than in the summer. Why is it not turning the fabled glorious orange/red that I have been looking forward to??
Thank you in advance for your help.
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners.
How lucky you are to have a beautiful Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum in your garden! Paperbark Maples are particularly noted for their peeling coppery, reddish/brown bark and their showy fall colour.
One of the interesting characteristics of Acer griseum, is that its leaves are known to turn colour much later than most other trees. Once the foliage begins to turn, however, your patience will be rewarded with a vibrant show of extraordinary colour! More often than not, the leaves will hang onto the tree well into the winter.
According to Missouri Botanical garden, Paperbark Maple is easily grown in moist, well drained slightly acidic soils and full sun to part shade. It is drought intolerant, so make sure you are watering it on a regular basis. Since you have it in full sun, providing a little mulch to protect the roots will help your beautiful tree retain moisture.
Please see the links below for further information.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=q110
https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/PaperbarkMaple.pdf