Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
7a
USDA zone
-18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2.5m | Max | 4m |
1m | Min | 2m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Japanese Maple
Japanese Maple Overview
Acer palmatum - also known as Japanese Maple or Cut-leaved Japanese Maple - was originally cultivated in Japan and has continued across temperate regions of the world for centuries. The species name Acer palmatum comes from the lacy, hand-like shape of its leaves. Its tiny, red-purple flowers produce red, winged, fruit in late summer. Acer palmatum comes in a range of sizes from small, flat-growing shrubs to small trees with dome-like shapes and all display vibrant yellow, orange or red leaf colour in Autumn. They can be grown in full sun, although leaf colour is best in partial shade, and they need moist, well-draining soil on the acidic side. (Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or if planted in a very exposed location.) As well as being a popular choice for Bonsai enthusiasts and Japanese themed gardens, this low-maintenance tree suits urban/courtyard gardens as well as cottage/informal settings. It provides mid-level structure and can be grown in a container.
Common problems with Japanese Maple
How to propagate Japanese Maple
Grafting
In late winter.
Cuttings
Graft in late summer.
Seed
Seeds will have cross-pollinated and unlikely to come true to its parent. They are still worth propagating as the resulting tree will have good colour or possibly be the next "new" must-have. If sowing fresh seed, soak them for twenty-four hours, before re-refrigerating (stratify, duplicate winter conditions) seeds for ninety days by mixing them with a small amount of compost in a plastic bag (with ventilation). The seeds can then be sown in individual pots or outdoors in warm locations. Alternatively, seeds collected and stored from the previous year can be sown in Spring direct in the ground or individual containers. Collect ripe seed in autumn when they are brown and beginning to fall off the tree. Store in a paper bag and store in a cool and dry location.
Layering
Budding
By budding in summer.
Rhizomes
Special features of Japanese Maple
Pot plant
Can be trained as Bonsai trees
Attractive leaves
Indoor plant
Bonsai
Autumn colour
Leaves turn colour in autumn, variety dependent, ranging from yellow to red.
Other uses of Japanese Maple
Ornamental, foliage, specimen with good autumn colour.
Medicinal
Leaves are used in Chinese medicine
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