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ACER palmatum 'Metamorphosa'
Commonly known as Japanese maple
A 2018 RHS Plant of the Year finalist. The leaf colour starts a pale yellowish-green, then develops white edging to the leaf in late spring., the leaves turn reddish in parts of the plant in the summer and the autumn colour is a golden-yellow. A true metamorphosis in a season
Further Reading....
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DeciduousFoliage turns gradually to pale green and pale pink with new growth yellow and pink. Autumn colouring is orange-red to red-violet.
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Height3m (10ft)
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Spread3m (10ft)
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Tall ShrubFast-growing but remains compact. Light orange bark turning green. Inconspicuous flowers in spring. Winged fruits in autumn
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Hardy - very cold winterHardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
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Partial shadeShelter from cold winds and late frosts
ACER palmatum 'Metamorphosa'
This is a simply stunning brand new Japanese maple shown for the first time ever at Chelsea by Burncoose Nurseries and entered into the RHS Plant of the Year competition.
It was bred by Mr van Meuwen and Mr Keijzer of Solid Plants in the Netherlands who have patented it.
The plant starts the year with yellow spring leaves ringed with a reddish-pink edge before gradually turning light green. The edges then fade to light pink before becoming green with a white edge. In late summer the leaves turn to orange-red before becoming red-violet in the autumn. A true metamorphosis in a single season and arguably the best new Japanese maple for decades.
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowMaximum size in 10-20yearsPests & DiseasesAphids, mites, scale insects, caterpillars, Verticillium wilt, leaf scorch, honey fungusPlace of originChina, Korea, Japan. Garden origin. Netherlands. Messrs Jos van Meuwen and Arjan Keijzer, Solid Plants.
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Garden Location/ConditionsPatio / pot plantsSuitable for small gardens
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf Colour (if not green)Silver variegated
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Leaf formPalmate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable 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.
RHS group 1Late autumn to midwinter -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soil
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Tree ShapeRounded to broadly spreading
Acers - Care Guide
- Garden Cultivation
- Pests & Diseases
- Propagation
- Further Reading
- Scorching & Dieback - Video Tip ondemand_video
Planting to avoid allergic reactions and asthma
3m (10ft)
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3m (10ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Vermin & Pest Control
Tree Guards
Essential small tree protection from vermin and strimming. This pack includes 5 x 90cm canes and 5 x 90cm spiral guards. Includes instructions.
Only £5.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20