Acer x conspicuum Phoenix
This is the most noted tree in Foggy Bottom, mainly because the distinctness of its bark, particularly in Winter . I consider it outstanding but perhaps for that reason, it is very difficult to obtain. The bark of a well branched tree goes from a soft yellow to a strongly marked orange , enhanced when the wood is wet.
Known as a “snake bark maple” this hybrid species contains other plants with stripped stems , such as the Silver Vein. The cross is between two species Acer davidii and Acer pensylvanicum . The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs , 2007 edition, is very brief in its description of Phoenix, saying only that it’s a seedling of “Silver Vein” with bright red winter shoots, striped white. The selection apparently was introduced only in 1982 in the Netherlands.
trees have to be grafted and therefore , quite expensive to purchase, if you can find them. More notes to follow
On the left, a young plant in its first flush of growth, showing the autumn colour on the leaves. This is an added attraction, although leaves do become more sparse on older trees . You can note that the growth in one year is about 60 cm. Since the plant is primarily grown for its young and old bark, it can be cut back to make more branches but this might also lead to some die-back.
On the right, the Autumn/ Winter colour clearly shows on the younger wood, which is a bright red rather than orange.
Our oldest tree, is probably about 30 years now and only shows the trunk in this image taken in summer. However this allows for other perennials and grasses to shine and amongst them is the Geranium Rozanne on the left, and some silver-sage Lychnis coronaria Atrosanguinea. One or two white flowered Foxgloves complete the picture.
Looking into the main garden from the house in late Autumn. It is the tail end of flowering perennials, featured above are: Actea matsumurae ‘White Pearl' and Verbena Bonariensis and on the right, Ageratina altissima “Chocolate” . Soon at its best will be the vivid Autumn colours of the tall grass Panicum virgatum “North Wind”. The Acer, which has dropped most of its leaves, shows the striking orange colour of its bark which makes it so outstanding for months on end.
The only word to describe this image of Acer conspicuum “Phoenix” is WOW!
