When I planted my Japanese maple three years ago, the leaves were a rich, dark shade of maroon. But every year the color has been a little lighter and less saturated. Is there anything I can do (e.g. adding a nutrient to the soil) to restore its color?
When I was growing up, trees in my neighborhood that were termed ‘Japanese maples’ – whether they actually were or not is debatable, given the area’s tendency to use terms loosely – camer in a pale yellow-green, which over time became tinged with a russet/greenish cast (about the color of a raw steak that has been allowed to spoil, to describe the hue), which then in early summer moved into a rich deep red. I’m wondering if time of the year may be the issue here for you.
I do know that iron-poor soils can cause fading of reddish foliage, but that is relatively rare.
Any pro gardeners with better info?
I doubt there is any soil amendment that you can apply that will affect fall color - and even if there was, it would be impractical to get enough of it into the soil to make a difference.
Is there possibly an issue with amount of sunlight? I wonder if the plant had enough sun the year you planted it to color well, but not since then in its new location?
I’m not referring to the fall color, which is spectacular. And I haven’t changed its location since planting it three years ago.