Posted by
jathton (Oklahoma City, OK - Zone 7a) on Jul 5, 2020 11:51 AM concerning plant:
'Butterfly' is a stand-out among Japanese maples… J.D. Vertrees calls it "… a very spectacular small-leafed variegate" and "One of the most desirable cultivars of the variegated group." In Maples of the World it is described as a "Fine, attractive, silver-variegated shrub, not exceeding 2.5-3 meters."
This beautiful Japanese maple is all about its leaves. In spring pink markings border the white or cream portion. In fall the white areas become magenta. In summer the cream to white borders compliment a bluish green background. Each lobe on a leaf is different… some long, some short, all with irregular shapes… giving the tree a relaxed, appealing look.
The 'Butterfly' maple usually makes a dense, stiffly upright shrub or small tree that seldom exceeds 3-4 meters. It seldom develops solid green leaves… but if a shoot with green leaves does develop remove it immediately. These branches are aggressive and could overwhelm the entire plant.
The comments on propagation are interesting. J.D. Vertrees says, "It is difficult to graft because of the very small diameter of the scions." Maples of the World notes that, "Plants grown from cuttings are often short-lived, weak, and fragile. It must be grafted to obtain healthy plants.
'Butterfly' was given an Award of Merit in 1977 by the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society.
One design consideration: If 'Butterfly' is planted in a location that makes the sky the only or the dominant background this tree, with its very light green & cream foliage, will appear as a large indistinct shape in the garden. But if you place it so your home… or better yet some large evergreens like 'Nellie Stevens' Holly… serves as the background this tree will appear as it should morning, noon and night.
