Acer palmatum 'Rainbow'

They are similar Dan, but you will find Rainbow has a variegation like no other. You will love it. Slowly does it though....

D

 

I don't know if it's because of the rootstock, but mine is very vigorous. Like 'Hana matoi', it doesn't show the best variegation after the leaves are fully mature :

 

19th April 2022 and once again here in my area, 'way' behind. But my rainbow is getting closer and closer
.

 

11th May 2022 and I'm so pleased with the variegation this year on my Rainbow. The wet leaves always brings out the best as well.

 

On mine, some of the leaves are very dark, with no variegation, others are almost all pink, but the ones I prefer are those with dark green, lime green and pink :

 

Agree Alain, the greens together with pinks just hits the mark !!

 

Yeah... ;-)

I had planned to trim it a bit this summer, like others.
Like quite a few actually.
Another opportunity to have an attempt at grafting... ^^

 

21st May 2022 and this is my favourite cultivar for this weekend . Just can't stop staring at the variegation.

 

The upper part the main branch had no variegation, I thought I might have to prune it, but the new leaves have some.

 

... I don't want it to get too high, so I think I'll prune it. So, why not try taking cuttings, or try summer grafting ?

 

14th June 2022 and my Rainbow probably could do with more sun tbh, but that's something to ponder in the Autumn. It still has some nice variegated leaves this year though.

 

It seems that the heavy rain we had last week prompted some new shoots, of a vivid red, at the base of the trunk. It gets a couple of hours of sun in the morning and is in the shade from, say, 11 :

 

I don't get tired of this one...

 

PS : if I decided to prune back the branch, there are dormant buds that will no doubt form new branches :

 

Magic colors from Rainbow in a nursery setting, sadly mine looks like the aphids stunned it...

 

The aphids do like these particular cultivars Connor. One to put in your calendar reminder for 2024 early Spring, for spraying!!?

 

7th June 2023 and my Rainbow is showing some nice Summer variegation today.

I do find this cultivar stronger and less likely to revert than 'Taimin nishiki'. As they are so very very similar, I will stick with this one.

 

1st May 2024 and my Rainbow has some nice markings this year.