Cultivating Japanese Maples -Acer
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
One thought on “Cultivating Japanese Maples -Acer”
Comments are closed.