Acer palmatum dissectum atropurpureum

• Acer is the genus for a range of trees that includes the Sycamore and some of the loveliest foliage trees for your garden.
• palmatum the species name refers to the hand shaped leaves
• dissectum or variety name reflects how the feathery leaves are finely separated and deeply cut or fringed
• atropurpureum is the colour of deep purple leaves that turn bright red in autumn
• Japanese Maple is a generic name for a range of Acers which have this semblance of age and dignity even when the trees are small and relatively young.

Hints on Cultivation

• If you want a talking or focal point in your garden then this is the shrub or tree for you
• The best Autumn colouring comes from growing in an acid or neutral soil
• Keep trees out of strong wind that can burn the fine leaves
• Japanese Maples can be grown in pots where they will be very slow growing
• Contrasting blue flowers like Mecanopsis, Gentians or Aconitum are good plant partners
• Other partner plants can be used to emphasis shape and form like Ferns, Pampass Grass or a fine Silver Birch
• Acers can be the backbone of a Japanese themed garden
• Other varieties to try include:
  • A. cricinatum the Vine Maple with leaves that turn yellow in Autumn
  • A. griseum has orange polished bark and a great colour change in Autumn
  • A negundo silver maple will tolerate heavy soil and more wind than other Japanese Maples
• Propagate by air layering in March/April, seed or softwood cuttings.

Read Japanese Maple root and branch review