Japanese Maple: best variety for my needs

Question

I live in Zone 7. I have read your Japanese Maple articles and based on the 5 items to determine what tree is best; I have come between the Virdis JM or the Waterfall JM. I am going to use it as a foundation plant in the bed in front of my home. It will be in filtered morning sun and full shade the rest of the day. It will be planted in front of two camellias that have grown much larger than I expected so I am slowly pruning them down and will eventually “box” them a bit. I want a bright green leaf so it bounces off the dark brick of my home and rich dark shiny green of the camellias and can be seen as a color pop from the street through my moderately wooded natural area. I also don’t want a tall tree and something that I can prune to lay somewhat close to the ground with interest in the trunk shape.

I’ve attached a photo of the location in which I want to plant it; essentially (5-8 feet)in front of and between the two camellias. I am planning to rip out the non-flowering jasmine ground cover which has been thriving a little too well for at least a decade. The camellias are about 17 years old.

Would these two varieties fit my needs? Is one better than the other for what I describe. When is the best time to plant it?

Answer 1

It sounds like you have done some great research, and both varieties you list would be lovely. This article has a few more choices for you.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-japanese-maples.htm