If you are considering a Japanese maple for your garden, now is an ideal time to purchase as you can see its autumn colours and planting now will give it time to establish over the winter months.
Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) come into their own in the autumn, when their foliage turns breathtaking shades of fiery red, vibrant orange and yellow. They’re versatile in that they can be planted in beds and borders. Many Japanese maples are slow growing and compact. They can be grown successfully in pots, making them an excellent choice for small gardens.
Japanese maples are vulnerable to wind, frost and strong sunlight, and this should be taken into consideration when planning on where to plant it. Some varieties do need sunlight in order to enhance their colours, but direct sunlight can scorch their delicate foliage, so it is wise to plant them in a sheltered position.
We have one of the largest selections of Japanese maples in the area, and to get you started, here are 5 you could consider:-
Acer palmatum ‘Sumi Nagashi’
Acer palmatum ‘Sumi Nagashi’ is a small, deciduous Japanese maple. Its bright red spring foliage deepens to purple-red in the summer, turning crimson in the autumn. This Japanese maple should be planted in moist, well-drained soil, using ericaceous compost. Acer palmatum ‘Sumi Nagashi’ has an eventual height of 4m and a spread of 3m.
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’ is a small, deciduous Japanese maple with a moulding growth habit. Its deeply cut, bright green leaves turn bright yellow and orange in the autumn, with small, reddish flowers appear in spring. This Japanese maple should be planted in a sheltered position using ericaceous compost. It can withstand full sun and partial shade. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’ has an eventual height and spread of 1.5-2m.
Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ is a large, deciduous Japanese maple, with a round growth habit. Its large, seven-lobed bright green leaves turn a brilliant orange-scarlet in the autumn. This Japanese maple produces small red flowers and fruits. This is a hardy plant and can withstand being planted in full sun or in a sheltered position. It has an approximate eventual height and spread of 2.5-4m.
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ is a large, deciduous Japanese maple. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Its attractive coral-red young branches are very prominent during the winter months. It has five-lobed leaves open pinkish-yellow in the spring, turning green during the summer, before turning a soft yellow in the autumn and produces small reddish flowers. This Japanese maple can withstand full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2.5-4m.
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’ is a medium-sized, deciduous Japanese maple with an upright growth habit. Its bright green leaves have finely cut lobes that are tinged red when young. They turn a stunning yellow/orange/crimson in the autumn. This Japanese maple should be planted in a sheltered position out of direct sunlight and wind, in a moist, well-drained soil. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’ has an eventual height and spread of approximately 3m.
We would love to show you our extensive range of Japanese maples and we look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum, where our knowledgeable staff will be very happy to help you choose the right Japanese maple for you.
