Red leafed plants contain less Chlorophyll, the green pigment that’s instrumental in photosynthesis. These shrubs have less substance in the leaf which can be thin and papery.
The leaves are prone to wind damage and will turn brown on the edges quite easily. This wind burn or desiccation is unsightly and can be quite damaging.
Thin twigs without leaves are dead and need to be pruned out
Acers grow extremely slowly.
Some Acers have young green leaves that change over time and only turn deep reddish-purple in summer and scarlet in autumn.
Environment for Acers
Acers are hardy but avoid windy areas and frost pockets. Shelter from late frosts.
Acers prefer sheltered, sunny or partial shade.
Some varieties of Japanese maples are OK in a large plant pot.
Soil needs to be neutral or slightly acidic.
Grow in moist but well-drained soil.
Keep away from bright sunlight.
Red Acer Varieties
Lower growing palmatum cultivars work well in mixed plantings
Red Pygmy grow best in moist but well-drained soil, away from bright sunlight
Amagi shigure is also called Purple Passion.
Try Acer Palmatum Katura or Acer Palmatum Little Princess
Acer Palmatum Shishi-gashira is a small red Japanese maple.
