The larger Acer is not Japonica but Davidii. Under it’s branches is a more tender Acer palmatum Japonica var. dissectum ‘Inaba-shidare’ or the purple leaved Japanese maple.

Cultivation

• Acers or Japanese maples like ‘Little Princess’ above need a sunny or partially shaded spot which is protected from cold winds.
• Acers are hardy shrubs and small trees and like soil that is moist but well-drained.
• Acer Japonica are suitable for growing in a large container using John Innes No 3 compost but must be kept well-watered.
• In Autumn the leaf colour intensifies before falling.

• Sold as Acer Green Globe above  but the leaves are not lime green or as serrated as Green Globe.
• Tip. Buy when your Acer is in leaf if you want to be sure what you are getting
• I saved some money by buying after the leaves had fallen and over all I am not disappointed. In truth I am quite pleased with the effect of several young shrubs in my new Japanese garden

• Leaf form and shape has shaped the name of these shrubs.
• Palmatum is derived from the hand shape of the leaves. The shape looks like fingers.
• Looking at it another way the leaf is dissected

Acer Orange Dream above

• Cut back long shoots in March to encourage compact growth.
• Will grow to 5 feet high and 3-4 feet wide.
• Add some peat to the planting hole and keep moist but not water logged.

 

Read about growing Acers as small trees and tips for Growing Acers