ACER

Commonly known as Japanese maple

SPECIMEN SIZED VARIETIES OF ACER PALMATUM ARE IN 7.5 OR 10 LITRE POTS AND ARE ALL APPROXIMATELY 4-6 FEET IN HEIGHT.

SPECIMEN SIZED VARIETIES OF ACER PALMATUM DISSECTUM ARE SMALLER GROWING AND THEREFORE CONSIDERABLY SMALLER IN SIZE ALTHOUGH OF A SIMILAR AGE.

Genus of 120 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, from woodlands mainly, in Europe, northern Africa, Asia and North and Central America.

Some form large trees and others are understorey plants. The most popular decorative forms are from the palmatum group, Japanese maples which have been cultivated in Japan for centuries and is a well-known temple tree and bonsai subject . They have appeared in art forms for centuries.

Palmatum (hand-like) was the name given by Swedish doctor-botanist Carl Peter Thunberg late in the 18th century, following the ancient Japanese where they were likened to hands of frogs or hands of babies.

The UK representative is the field maple, A. campestre, a medium-sized tree favouring chalk soils but widely planted. It is a wildlife plant attractive to aphids which are preyed on by ladybirds, hoverflies and birds. Caterpillars eat the leaves and the nectar and pollen in the flowers attract insects as well.

The wood has the highest density of all the European maples and is used for veneers and harps.

Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes

Good to know
Syn. 'Shinobuga-oka'. Maximum size in 10-20 years
Pests & Diseases
Aphids, mites, scale insects, caterpillars, Verticillium wilt, leaf scorch, honey fungus.
Place of origin
China, Korea, Japan.
Deciduous
Deeply cut leaves with 7 long, slender lobes
Patio / pot plants
Suitable for small gardens
Fully hardy
Palmate
Height
4m (13ft)
Spread
4m (13ft)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height
Tall Shrub
Inconspicuous flowers in spring. Winged fruits in autumn
Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

Late autumn to midwinter
Hardy - very cold winter
Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
Autumn Seasonal Interest
Spring Seasonal Interest
Summer Seasonal Interest
Fertile moist well-drained soil
Partial shade
Shelter from cold winds and late frosts