Acer palmatum
A living flame of colour — delicate, architectural, and endlessly graceful. Revered for centuries in Japanese gardens, prized worldwide for its breathtaking autumn display.
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Acer palmatum has graced temple gardens since the 8th century. Its deeply lobed, palm-shaped leaves transform through a full spectrum of colour — from fresh spring green through summer burgundy to the fiery golds and crimsons of autumn. With over 1,000 cultivars, there is a Japanese Maple for every garden.
The most popular cultivar. Deep purple-red foliage that holds its colour all summer, turning brilliant scarlet in autumn. Tolerates urban conditions well.
The only upright laceleaf variety. Finely dissected green leaves become gold and orange in autumn. Elegant and airy in any garden.
A cascading, laceleaf form with feathery deep-red foliage. Stunning as a specimen plant beside water or on a slope.
Considered by many to offer the most spectacular autumn colour of any tree — leaves turn a fiery, luminous scarlet-red.
Cascading laceleaf with vivid orange-red new growth that darkens through summer before blazing orange in autumn.
Dense, crinkled green leaves that tightly cluster at branch tips, creating a distinctive lion's-mane texture. Superb for containers.
Japanese Maples are rewarding garden trees — slow-growing, long-lived, and largely pest-free once established.
Partial shade is ideal. Morning sun with afternoon shade protects leaves from scorch in hot climates. Full sun suits cooler regions.
Well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) loam. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground. Amend with compost at planting.
Deep water during dry spells, especially in the first 3 years. Mulch the root zone to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter while dormant. Never top the tree — it ruins the natural form.
Light feeding with a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring. Avoid heavy feeding — it promotes weak growth susceptible to frost.
Hardy once established. Protect young plants from hard frost with fleece. Container specimens should be moved to a sheltered spot.