Small trees to grow in pots

Acer palmatum 'Crispifolium', also known as Lion’s Head Maple, is a small, deciduous, slow-growing Japanese maple with bushy upright habit and peculiar foliage. Masses of small, curled, dark green lobed leaves are very decorative throughout the season, especially in autumn, when they become golden yellow and vivid orange. This vibrant autumn foliage resembles lion’s fiery mane. Small reddish-purple flowers appear in May and are followed by samaras in autumn. It grows best in neutral or acidic soil, moist, but well-drained, in partial shade or full sun. It should be protected from harsh winds, late frosts or searing sunshine because of its delicate leaves that could be damaged. Besides that, it is very hardy and can withstand hard winters. Highly sculptural form of Acer palmatum 'Crispifolium' is perfect for contemporary gardens, but also very effective in small, urban, or Oriental-themed gardens. Ideal for growing in containers.

The Acer palmatum 'Extravaganza' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its vibrant, ever-changing foliage. This compact, bushy tree features deeply lobed leaves that emerge in spring with a delicate green hue, often adorned with creamy variegation and pink edges, creating a unique, marbled appearance. As the season progresses, the foliage transforms, showcasing shades of orange, red, and purple in autumn, bringing vivid color to any landscape. Reaching a mature height of approximately 6–8 feet, 'Extravaganza' is ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or as a focal point in shaded areas. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers partial shade, making it a low-maintenance yet highly ornamental choice for adding elegance and color year-round.

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.

Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a medium-sized, vigorous deciduous shrub with a bushy, dense, capriciously growing, cascading habit and smooth, grey-brown bark. It has beautiful, feathery, deeply cut, red leaves that resemble the colour of garnet stone in spring and summer, and turn scarlet in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, purplish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by pink, winged fruits. It can grow in any soil type except clay, but thrives best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun very well. Easy to care for, it requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a wonderful shrub that really stands out in the landscape and is probably the most used among similar cultivars. It is stunning as specimen plant, perfect for cottage and urban gardens, rock gardens, and roof gardens. Suitable for growing in containers as well.

Stem Height: 130cm
Ground to top: 180cm
Head width: 200cm

Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a medium-sized, vigorous deciduous shrub with a bushy, dense, capriciously growing, cascading habit and smooth, grey-brown bark. It has beautiful, feathery, deeply cut, red leaves that resemble the colour of garnet stone in spring and summer, and turn scarlet in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, purplish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by pink, winged fruits. It can grow in any soil type except clay, but thrives best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun very well. Easy to care for, it requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a wonderful shrub that really stands out in the landscape and is probably the most used among similar cultivars. It is stunning as specimen plant, perfect for cottage and urban gardens, rock gardens, and roof gardens. Suitable for growing in containers as well.

Stem Height: 130cm
Ground to top: 180cm
Head width: 200cm

Acer palmatum 'Going Green' is a small, compact, dense, rounded, bushy deciduous Japanese maple tree with strong, upright stems, palmate, deeply-lobed bright green to lime green leaves, golden, orange, and scarlet in autumn. Inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by attractive, red, winged seed pods in summer and autumn. Acer palmatum 'Going Green' can tolerate a wide range of soils as long as they are consistently moist and well-drained, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moisture retentive, soils. It thrives in partial shade and leaf colour is best in partial shade, but can tolerate full sun. Lack of soil moisture and excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from strong winds. Low maintenance plant. Japanese maple ‘Going Green’ with its sculptural stems and striking autumn foliage can add beauty to any informal, cottage, or urban garden. Perfect as a specimen plant. Suitable for growing in containers.

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 'Inaba-Shidare' is a sought-after Japanese Maple variety known for its remarkable, intricate foliage and distinctive growth habit. This particular specimen sports an 80cm clear stem, supporting a weeping head, bringing the overall height of the tree to 110cm. It epitomizes graceful elegance with its cascading branches cloaked in deeply dissected, feather-like leaves. The leaves are a striking purplish-red, intensifying to a brilliant crimson come autumn, offering a vibrant spectacle. It is relatively compact, making it a superb choice for smaller gardens or growing in containers. It’s well-suited to creating focal points within landscapes, providing both visual appeal and architectural structure. Its rugged charm is highlighted when placed against a backdrop of evergreens or contrasting foliage, where its intricate silhouette becomes a living sculpture. A lover of well-drained, fertile soils and partial shade, ‘Inaba-Shidare’ requires protection from harsh winds and excessive sun to maintain the integrity of its delicate foliage. During winter, its dormant, twisted limbs add an additional layer of interest, hinting at its robust nature beneath a seemingly delicate demeanor. This exquisite blend of strength and beauty makes the Acer palmatum 'Inaba-Shidare' a beloved addition to diverse horticultural designs.

Acer palmatum 'Inaba-Shidare' is a sought-after Japanese Maple variety known for its remarkable, intricate foliage and distinctive growth habit. This particular specimen sports an 80cm clear stem, supporting a weeping head, bringing the overall height of the tree to 110cm. It epitomizes graceful elegance with its cascading branches cloaked in deeply dissected, feather-like leaves. The leaves are a striking purplish-red, intensifying to a brilliant crimson come autumn, offering a vibrant spectacle. It is relatively compact, making it a superb choice for smaller gardens or growing in containers. It’s well-suited to creating focal points within landscapes, providing both visual appeal and architectural structure. Its rugged charm is highlighted when placed against a backdrop of evergreens or contrasting foliage, where its intricate silhouette becomes a living sculpture. A lover of well-drained, fertile soils and partial shade, ‘Inaba-Shidare’ requires protection from harsh winds and excessive sun to maintain the integrity of its delicate foliage. During winter, its dormant, twisted limbs add an additional layer of interest, hinting at its robust nature beneath a seemingly delicate demeanor. This exquisite blend of strength and beauty makes the Acer palmatum 'Inaba-Shidare' a beloved addition to diverse horticultural designs.

Acer palmatum 'Ijoshi' is a distinctive cultivar of the Japanese maple, prized for its elegant structure and unique seasonal colour changes. This small deciduous tree or large shrub is native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China, but is widely cultivated in temperate gardens across the UK due to its ornamental appeal and manageable size.

The 'Ijoshi' variety is particularly notable for its deeply divided, palmate leaves that emerge in spring with a soft, almost creamy-yellow hue. As the season progresses, the foliage transforms to shades of green with pinkish margins, eventually deepening into warm oranges and reds during the autumn months. This striking colour transition makes it a favourite among gardeners seeking year-round interest.

Growing typically to a height and spread of around 2 to 4 metres over ten years, Acer palmatum 'Ijoshi' is well-suited to smaller gardens, containers, or as a feature in Japanese-inspired landscapes. Its graceful, layered branching habit adds architectural interest, even during the winter when the tree is bare.

This cultivar prefers a sheltered position with dappled shade, protected from harsh winds and excessive sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils are ideal for healthy growth. Minimal pruning is required, though shaping in late summer can help maintain its form.

Acer palmatum 'Ijoshi' is a low-maintenance yet striking ornamental tree that rewards with changing beauty throughout the seasons. It is especially appreciated for its subtle spring tones and fiery autumn display, bringing both serenity and vibrancy to garden spaces. In the UK climate, it performs reliably given the right conditions, making it a valuable choice for discerning gardeners.