BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Japanese maple
• Genus: Acer
• Species: palmatum
• Cultivar: 'Red Pygmy'
• Skill Level: experienced
• Exposure: partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: acidic, moist, well-drained/light
• Height: 1.5m
• Spread: 1.5m

Holder of the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM), 'Red Pygmy' is deservedly popular. It makes a beautiful mound-shaped tree, with reddish-purple seven-lobed leaves that turn scarlet in autumn. Like other Japanese maples, it needs a partially shaded spot which is protected from cold winds. The soil should be moist but well drained. It is suitable for growing in a large container, using John Innes No 3 compost, but must be kept well watered.