I have 2 upright varieties of Acer palmatum:  Orido Nishiki &Murasaki Kyohime, purchased about 15 yrs ago. They are now about 8 to 11 feet tall. They are positioned in a well protected spot and have always performed well until this year. They look nearly dead though there are leaves here and there.  Is this the end for them or should I hold out awhile longer? 

The other two Japanese maples are cascading types, A. shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ and A. palmatum var. dissectum 'Orangeola'.  These are not quite as well protected but doing better. Autumn Moon is breaking out of its sleep slowly, but overall looks ok.  Orangeola lost the whole bottom of its skirt; it no longer grazes the ground, but that’ll grow back and the rest has been filling out nicely.

It really was a rough winter all around but I’m really surprised at the two A.p. varieties.  Should I cut them down?

Kitty

neIN Zone 5