- Botanical name: Acer palmatum
- Common name: Japanese maple
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
- Key features:
- Autumn colour
- Dramatic foliage
- Prefers rich soil
Acer palmatum is a deciduous, woody shrub native to parts of Asia and Russia. There are many garden-worthy cultivars available, which have been bred for their leaf shapes and colours.
There are many cultivars to choose from, suitable for a range of situations. Most of them put on a spectacular autumn display as the leaves change dramatic shade of yellow, orange and red before falling.
For best results, grow Acer palmatum in partial shade, and protect it from the harshest winds, which may cause leaf scorch.
How to grow Acer palmatum
-
Plant size
6m height
3m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, east facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle, back
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / chalky / alkaline / acidic / boggy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Acer palmatum and wildlife
Acer palmatum has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Acer palmatum poisonous?
Acer palmatum has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Acer palmatum
