The Japanese maple is one of the incredibly popular trees. Their leaves and their colors are beautiful, but so is their price. But did you know that you can get something very similar for a mere fraction of their price? Take a look.
belongs to the most beautiful and most popular ornamental trees. Their delicately cut leaves with bright colors can immediately catch the attention of anyone who passes by, turning any garden into an eye-catching elegant oasis. However, their disadvantage is their price. They tend to be very expensive, and they are also quite demanding to grow. However, there is a plant that is very resistant, not difficult to grow, costs a fraction of the price of the Japanese maple, and is quite similar to it. It is without black. Gardener Ludmila Svobodová from Prague shared its cultivation with iReceptář.
You can find a video about the first sowing in the beds here:
Bred without black
Most people think of medicated syrups or the countryside when they hear the word black. But with modern bred varieties it is a little different. “Some elderberry cultivars have deeply cut leaves and a dark, purple to almost black color. Their shape can really resemble Japanese maples. Japanese maples are usually colored deep red, or they have darker leaves that can be dark burgundy or purple.” says Ludmila.
“Breeders have created several dozen ornamental cultivars that are truly remarkable and stand out beautifully in the garden. At the same time, however, you will not give half the salary for them. Some varieties have a compact or columnar growth, which means that they are well suited for growing even in smaller gardens. Some of these varieties only grow a few meters tall, and can be kept very easily by pruning.”
“If they have any advantage over the Japanese maple, it is that they are definitely not as demanding to grow. Japanese maples are very susceptible to frost, wind, and excessive drought, so creating ideal conditions for this tree can be quite complicated. It’s definitely not that complicated with elderberry. It tolerates both sun and partial shade well, grows well in normal garden soil, is relatively resistant to frost and less favorable conditions, grows quickly and regenerates easily and quickly after cutting.”
A great and cheap alternative
“At black elderberry, you save money not only on the purchase itself, but also on costs. While the Japanese maple is more for more experienced growers, the cultivated black elder can also be purchased by a beginner. In addition, it is much more than a decorative plant, as its flowers can be used, for example, to prepare syrups or tea, and it is possible to make marmalade or juice.” stated Ludmila for iReceptář.
