Acers from Junker's Nursery (2)

Snakebark Acers and Acer x conspicuum hybrids

This newly established interspecific hybrid groups together a number of Snakebark Maples, including some of uncertain origin. All are small trees with lovely autumn colours, but most importantly they have fantastic striped bark in the winter—hence their common name of “Snakebark Maples”.

It is a group that we have struggled with here in the past due to a combination of a series of wet winters and our very heavy clay. However, just because we have had problems doesn’t mean that you will! I know of many plants in this wonderful group which are thriving, and indeed having improved the soil, ours are doing well too. It is the structure of the soil which is important (not the pH). It shouldn’t waterlog in winter but it needs to be adequately moisture retentive in summer. Good air movement around the branches in winter is important to minimise the risk of fungal problems. Similarly, carry out any essential pruning in the summer, not the winter.


	ACER x conspicuum 'Candy Stripe' A new selection that is thought to be a hybrid between Acer capillipes and Acer pensylvanicum. Small growing than many of the Snakebarks, the leaves are also smaller giving the whole plant a lighter, more airy appearance. The dramatic winter bark has a dark purple background, heavily striated with white, whilst the young shoots are a rich reddish purple. 5m. from £27.50

	ACER x conspicuum 'Elephant's Ear' When you see the leaves on a strong growing plant, the reason for the name is obvious! Up to 30cm long and 20cm wide! The bark is dark purple, striped white. 8m. from £27.50

	ACER x conspicuum 'Phoenix' The amazing winter bark colour is a bright orangey-pink with pure white stripes and never fails to attract comment. Autumn colour is bright yellow, though it does tend to lose it's leaves early in the autumn. Avoid too wet or enclosed a site to minimise the risk of fungal problems in winter. As with so many plants, adequately moist in summer but well drained in winter is the key to success. 3m. from £27.50

	ACER x conspicuum 'Silver Cardinal' This Snakebark has the most incredible pink and cream variegated foliage, highlighted by the red petioles and young stems. It occurred as a chance seedling of A. pensylvanicum and received an Award of Merit in 1985. Our stock is directly derived from the original seedling in the Windsor Great Park. It develops an attractive weeping head. Unless your soil is very good, it is safest in dappled shade. 3m. from £27.50

	ACER x conspicuum 'Silver Vein' A hybrid between A.davidii George Forrest and A.pensylvanicum Erythrocladum found at Hilliers about 1960. It is arguably the best of the basic snakebarks for garden suitability and good colour with its rich purple and white striped winter bark. 5m. from £27.50

	ACER crataegifolium 'Veitchii' I was amazed to discover that this gorgeous plant has been around since 1881! It forms a dense small tree-like shrub to 2.5m. The small leaves are delightfully variegated pink and cream. It also boasts wonderful deep pink autumn colours. As with most variegated Acers, avoid lunchtime sun in the summer if possible. 2m Sold Out

	ACER davidii Delightful small tree noted for dazzling autumn colour and attractive white striped purple bark in winter. Flowers and fruits more reliably than many too, which just adds to its considerable attraction. from £27.50

	ACER davidii 'Cantonspark' A slender, upright selection perfect for small gardens, with slightly smaller leaves too. Purplish-green bark sports the famous white striations. Sold out

	ACER davidii 'Karmen' A wonderful tree to add to our range of Snakebark Maples with the typical white striped bark. This one however, boasts chocolate brown young growth which turns reddish green through summer before developing rich orange and yellow autumn colours. It flowers freely to, resulting in attractive bunches of seeds to add to the autumn display. 4m Sold out

	ACER davidii 'Madeleine Spitta' Snakebark Maples are such elegant trees, and this upright grower is no exception. It features bright green leaves and unusually long bunches of flowers followed by seeds typical of the group. The winter bark is bright green with white stripes, whilst the youngest shoots maintain an almost salmon colour. Introduced by Wilfred Fox, founder of the Winkworth Arboretum, in 1950. The Mrs Spitta after whom it was named was instrumental in the planning of the arboretum. Striking contrast to Acer davidii 'Karmen' above. Sold out

	ACER davidii 'Rosalie' Coming soon!

	ACER davidii 'Serpentine' To my mind the most graceful of the snakebarks with smaller leaves and graceful, gently arching habit. Seeds freely produced, creating a very attractive contrast. Wonderful orange autumn colours. Sold out

	ACER elegantulum This very rare Chinese species sits here purely by virtue of alphabetical order - it is not a snakebark! However, it is a very beautiful small tree of great elegance, as the name suggests! The rich green leaves are flushed with bronze on opening and give lovely yellow and orange autumn colours. The stems are a bright green and noticeable in winter. Sold out

	ACER forrestii 'Alice' This remarkable chance seedling has striped pinkish bark in winter, but it's distinguishing feature is the summer leaf colour. Although they unfurl green, they soon turn a gorgeous mix of white, cream and dark pink. This is particularly pronounced on the young growth. It makes a well branched shrub or small tree. 3m Sold out

	ACER forrestii 'Sparkling' This delightful form is not quite as large and vigorous as the main Snakebark species, but the bark is just as good. The young growth has a coppery tinge that gives an almost metallic sheen. Summer colour is green, whilst autumn colours are again outstanding in shades of orange and red. Sold out