Japanese Maple | Acer Palmatum Trees

Acer palmatum 'Inaba-Shidare' is a vigorous, slow-growing deciduous shrub with a pendulous, weeping habit. Feathery, deeply dissected, lobed, dark purple leaves, become crimson red in autumn. Its inconspicuous, purple-red flowers bloom in April and May and are followed by winged nuts. It can grow in every soil type, except chalk. Thrives best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Although it prefers partial shade, it tolerates full sun very well. If planted on dry locations, the foliage colour may be less intense. Easy to care for. It requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Inaba-Shidare' is perfect as a focal point in a small garden. It looks stunning when planted by the pond because of the waterfall effect of its pendulous habit. It is also easily grown in containers and suitable for roof gardens or patio gardens.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa' is a distinctive cultivar of Japanese maple that is well-known for its compact and layered growth habit. It stands out due to its small, palmate leaves that are densely packed and overlap, giving it a striking, sculptural, and somewhat tiered appearance. The leaves typically exhibit a rich green color throughout the growing season and undergo a stunning transformation to shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, offering spectacular autumn interest.

This maple cultivar reaches a moderate height, usually growing to about 4-6 feet, making it a perfect choice for small gardens, containers, or limited spaces. It prefers a location with partial to full sun and well-drained soil but appreciates some shade in hotter climates to avoid leaf scorch. Regular watering is essential, especially in dry conditions, but it's crucial to avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.

'Mikawa yatsubusa' is not just revered for its aesthetic appeal but also for its resilient nature. While it’s slower-growing compared to other maples, it's hardy and adaptable, tolerating a variety of environmental conditions, and it requires minimal maintenance, making it an attractive option for both novice and experienced gardeners. The unique structure and vibrant color display of 'Mikawa yatsubusa' make it a focal point in any landscape, adding texture, color, and architectural interest.

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a distinct cultivar of Japanese Maple notable for its stunning autumn foliage, which transforms into brilliant shades of fiery red. This deciduous tree has an elegant, rounded form and typically reaches a height and spread of 15-20 feet, making it a spectacular feature in gardens, especially in autumn.

The leaves of 'Osakazuki' are palmate and lobed, displaying a lush green color through spring and summer, before their autumn transformation. These leaves have a uniquely refined texture, enhancing its aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season.

Ideal for small gardens, 'Osakazuki' prefers well-drained, moist soils and sheltered locations to protect its delicate foliage from harsh winds. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade, but for the best autumn color, a location with more sunlight is preferable.

This tree is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular watering, especially in dryer periods, and mulching to maintain soil moisture. Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a robust choice for a wide range of landscapes. The vivid, extended display of autumn color, coupled with its graceful growth habit, renders 'Osakazuki' a coveted choice among garden enthusiasts.

The Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', commonly known as the Bloodgood Japanese Maple, is a stunning ornamental tree highly valued for its striking red foliage and elegant form. This deciduous tree typically reaches a height and spread of 4.5-6 metres, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized gardens. Its deep burgundy leaves emerge in spring, maintaining their vibrant colour throughout the summer before transitioning to a brilliant crimson in autumn. The Bloodgood is known for its hardiness and adaptability, thriving in RHS hardiness zones H5-H6. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. This tree is not only aesthetically pleasing but also low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care. Ideal for use as a focal point, in mixed borders, or as a specimen tree, the Bloodgood Japanese Maple adds year-round interest and elegance to any garden in the UK.

Acer palmatum 'Shishi-gashira', also known as the Lion's Head Japanese Maple, is a unique and captivating cultivar of the Japanese maple. This compact, slow-growing deciduous tree is highly prized for its dense, crinkled foliage that forms tight clusters, giving it a distinctive, textured appearance. Throughout the growing season, its leaves remain a vibrant green, providing a lush and fresh aesthetic to any garden. As autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into a spectacular display of rich red and orange hues, offering a striking contrast to the summer greenery.

'Shishi-gashira' is an excellent choice for small gardens, courtyards, and patios due to its compact size, typically reaching a height and spread of 2 to 3 metres. Its unique growth habit also makes it a popular selection for bonsai enthusiasts, who appreciate its sculptural quality and the ease with which it can be shaped.

This cultivar thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils and prefers a position with partial shade to protect its delicate leaves from scorching. While it is relatively low-maintenance, regular watering during dry spells and mulching to retain soil moisture can enhance its health and appearance.

In a British garden, Acer palmatum 'Shishi-gashira' provides year-round interest with its distinctive form and seasonal colour changes, making it a cherished addition to any landscape.

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a slow-growing, dense, compact, upright, slightly columnar, deciduous shrub or small tree with globe-shaped habit and beautiful, narrowly lobed, deeply-divided leaves, bright red in spring, ruby red in summer, crimson red in autumn. Small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by winged seed pods.

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' prefers fertile, humus-rich, loamy or sandy, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in partial shade but is adaptable to full sun. Best leaf colour is achieved in partial shade. Excessive exposure to sun or lack of soil moisture can cause leaf scorch. It is resistant to frost, but has to be protected from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant, needs little to no pruning.

Japanese maple 'Shaina' is a gorgeous red-leaved Japanese maple perfect for small informal, cottage, urban, gravel or Japanese-style gardens. Great for beds and borders. Excellent for growing in containers.

Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is a beautiful and highly sought-after cultivar of the Japanese maple tree. It is known for its delicate foliage and stunning fall colours. This tree is an excellent choice for adding interest and texture to any landscape.

The mature height of Acer palmatum 'Jordan' typically ranges from 10 to 15 feet, with a spread of 8 to 12 feet. It has an upright, rounded habit with multiple trunks and branches that create a beautiful silhouette.

The foliage of 'Jordan' is a deep red colour in the spring and summer, and turns a vibrant crimson in the fall. The leaves are palmate and deeply lobed, giving the tree a unique and elegant appearance. This cultivar is also known for its excellent resistance to leaf scorch and other common diseases.

Overall, Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is an exceptional tree that adds a lot of visual interest and beauty to any landscape. Its relatively small size and stunning foliage make it an excellent choice for smaller yards or as a focal point in a larger landscape.

The Acer palmatum 'Garnet', commonly known as the Japanese Maple 'Garnet', is a captivating and popular deciduous tree renowned for its stunning foliage. This small, graceful tree features deeply dissected leaves with a delicate, lacy appearance, emerging as vibrant crimson-red in the spring. Throughout the summer, the foliage maintains its rich garnet hue, providing a striking contrast against the greenery of other plants. In autumn, the leaves transition to a brilliant scarlet, adding a spectacular splash of colour to the landscape.

'Garnet' grows slowly, typically reaching a height and spread of 2-3 meters, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, patios, or as a focal point in larger landscapes. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers a sheltered location with partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if given adequate moisture.

This cultivar is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases. The Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is highly valued for its year-round interest and ability to provide a touch of elegance and serenity to any garden setting. Its unique foliage and compact form make it a perfect addition to Japanese-style gardens, rockeries, and mixed borders.

Acer palmatum dissectum, commonly known as the lace leaf Japanese maple, is a popular ornamental tree renowned for its intricate, finely divided foliage. This deciduous shrub or small tree is part of the Aceraceae family and originates from Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) with a similar spread, making it a perfect choice for small gardens and container planting.

The leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum are deeply lobed and serrated, resembling delicate lace. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transitions from a vibrant green in spring and summer to spectacular shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, providing year-round interest. The tree's cascading, weeping habit adds an elegant and graceful element to any landscape design.

Acer palmatum dissectum prefers a position in partial shade with well-drained, moist soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. This tree is also known for its resilience to pests and diseases. Its compact size and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for adding structure and colour to garden borders, patios, and rockeries in British gardens.

The Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime', commonly known as the Kiyohime Japanese maple, is a compact, slow-growing cultivar prized for its distinctive foliage and elegant form. Originating from Japan, this dwarf variety of the Acer palmatum species is particularly favoured for bonsai cultivation and small garden landscapes due to its low, spreading habit.

One of the most striking features of ‘Kiyohime’ is its finely divided, palmate leaves that emerge in spring with a captivating blend of colours. Young foliage displays a fresh green base with reddish-purple margins, creating a delicate contrast. As the season progresses, the leaves mature to a bright green before transitioning to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, or red in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

Unlike the upright growth seen in many Japanese maples, ‘Kiyohime’ exhibits a horizontal, layered branching structure, forming a broad, dome-like shape that rarely exceeds 1 metre in height but can spread up to 2 metres. This growth pattern makes it an excellent choice for low-profile plantings, rock gardens, and container displays.

This cultivar thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and benefits from partial shade, particularly in hotter climates where excessive sun exposure may scorch its delicate leaves. It is moderately hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -10°C, but requires protection from strong winds and late frosts that could damage emerging foliage.

Regular pruning is generally unnecessary, though selective thinning can enhance its natural structure. ‘Kiyohime’ is a low-maintenance, visually striking tree that provides year-round appeal with its ever-changing foliage and graceful form. Whether as a feature plant or part of a larger landscape, it brings a refined and tranquil aesthetic, making it a cherished addition to Japanese-style gardens and temperate landscapes.

Acer palmatum 'Fireglow', commonly known as the Fireglow Japanese Maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree celebrated for its vibrant foliage and graceful form. Reaching an ultimate height and spread of approximately 4 metres over 10 to 20 years, it presents a bushy, upright habit suitable for various garden settings. 

The leaves of 'Fireglow' are deeply lobed, typically with 5 to 7 slender, pointed lobes. In spring, the foliage emerges with a pinkish-red hue, maturing to dark green heavily flushed with dark red during the summer months. As autumn approaches, the leaves transition to a string purple-red, creating a dynamic display of colour throughout the growing season. 

This cultivar is noted for its relatively thin leaves, which allow sunlight to filter through, creating a luminous effect that enhances its fiery appearance—hence the name Fireglow'. This characteristic is particularly pronounced when the tree is positioned to catch the morning or evening sun, making the foliage look as though it's glowing. 

'Fireglow' is appreciated for its moderate growth rate and well branched structure, forming a broad crown at maturity. Its size and form make it an excellent choice for providing shade in small courtyards and patios. 

In terms of cultivation, 'Fireglow' thrives in moist but well-drained soils and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Even though it is more sun-tort than some other Japanese Maple cultivars, providing some protection from harsh afternoon sunlight can help prevent leaf scorch. Mulching around base helps retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. This cultivar is hardy in most parts of the UK. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little pruning—typically limited to removing dead or crossing branches to maintain its shape. If pruning is necessary, it should be done during the dormant season, avoiding early spring when sap is rising. Regular watering during dry periods and fertilising in spring before the leaves emerge will support healthy growth. 

This cultivar is versatile in garden design, serving well as a specimen plant in cottage, city, or Japanese-themed gardens. Its vibrant foliage provides a striking contrast when paired with plants that have green or variegated leaves, enhancing the overall visual interest of the landscape.

In summary, Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' offers a combination of aesthetic appeal and adaptability, making it a valuable addition to various garden settings.