Acer pseudosieboldianum Ice Dragon - Maple

Acer x pseudosieboldianum 'Ice Dragon' is a new hybrid variety, still rare in cultivation, that combines the charm and refinement of the Japanese maple with the extreme hardiness of its other parent, the Korean maple, which is much less well known. This tree displays a unique habit, with slightly trailing cascading branches, and is adorned with laciniate foliage in changing colours that can rival that of its Japanese cousin. It is interesting all year round, even after the leaves have fallen, revealing the sinuous and undulating structure of its branches. The difference can be appreciated in the garden: completely unaffected by the rigours of winter, this variety is less demanding in terms of soil type, as long as it is well-drained, and it will also tolerate sun and heat better. To fully enjoy the spectacle of its metamorphosis, plant it near the house or in a large container on a terrace. It is superb as a standalone specimen in a small garden, with a Japanese-inspired style of course, but also in a Zen, exotic, or contemporary setting.

Like all maples, 'Ice Dragon' ('IslID') belongs to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). It is part of a series of hybrids called Jack Frost® developed at the Iseli nursery in Oregon (USA). All the maples resulting from this selection program are the result of crosses between Acer palmatum, the Japanese maple, which is sometimes a bit delicate to grow, and A. pseudosieboldianum, which is particularly resistant and native to North Korea, Manchuria, and China, and hardy down to -30°C (-22°F).

'Ice Dragon' is the smallest representative of this series, but also the one that best expresses the spirit of the Japanese maple. It is a compact, moderately fast-growing, bushy tree with slightly trailing branches, wider than it is tall. At maturity, it will reach approximately 2.4m (8ft) in height and 3m (10ft) in spread. Its slightly arched branches bear deciduous leaves, which fall in autumn and reappear in spring. These are large leaves, finely divided into numerous narrow lobes. In spring, the young leaves are tinted pale red and orange, then quickly turn green. In late summer, the foliage takes on different shades of yellow, orange, and red. 

'Ice Dragon' grows best in preferably slightly acidic to neutral soil, that is also well-drained, in a sunny or partially shaded location. Compact yet sculptural, it is well-suited to small gardens, as well as for ornamenting terraces and patios. Chinese azaleas, pieris, wild camellias, and non-spreading Fargesia bamboos will be its most beautiful companions. Mix several varieties of Japanese maples to vary the colours and leaf structures; the effect is always stunning at the end of the season. Its foliage deserves to be accompanied by shades of purple that beautifully enhance it from spring to autumn: choose, for example, physocarpus, dark berberis, Cotinus 'Royal Purple', or a purple Red Majestic hazel to showcase it.