Japanese Maple Tree Care

Recommended Japanese Maples

There are over 400 varieties of Japanese Maple giving a bewildering array to chose from. To cut down their number first decide what size of tree you want. Then decide on the leaf colour and leaf form.

This will narrow down suitable varieties to an acceptable level. Below we have selected a few recommended varieties but a lot will depend on availability and your particular preferences.

Click here to go to our Japanese Maple picture gallery of over 20 varieties.

Japanese Maples are delicate looking small or large trees and they are one of the best foliage plants for the gardener.

Japanese Maples are natives to Japan, northeast China and Korea. In their natural habitat they are normally shaded by larger trees and so prefer partial shade.

They have been cultivated from the early 17th century and are prized in Japan not only for their leaves but also their branch structure which is seen in winter.

In Japan they are called Momiji which means to change colour ("momizu"). They make excellent subjects for bonsai making superb small trees.

Key Japanese Maple Facts

Botanical Name	Acer palmatum
Common Name	Japanese Maple
Type	Deciduous tree. Foliage provides the interest
Size (after 5 years)	Varies considerably depending on the variety. From 1m (3ft) to 30m (100ft) tall.
Position	Partial shade but a few will tolerate full sun. Sheltered from harsh winds.
Soil	Rich, moist and well-drained
Hardy	Yes but some varieties can be damaged when young.
Flower	Insignificant
Foliage	Red, green, variegated
Scent	No
Season of Interest	Late spring to late autumn
Propagate	Greenwood cuttings when flowers are dying or by layering.

TOPICS IN JAPANESE MAPLE TREES
Recommended Varieties Planting Japanese Maples	Japanese Maple Care Propagate, Cuttings, Seed Picture Gallery	How to Prune Pest and Disease Re-pot Japanese Maple

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Acer palmatum Bloodgood
A deciduous, bushy Japanese Maple with purple foliage and red stems that intensify colour in the autumn to a flaming red. In mid spring to early summer, the tree produces small red, winged seeds. Eventual height / spread 3 metres (10ft).

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Acer palmatum Nishiki Gawa
Called the pine bark maple because as the tree ages it produces increasingly rough bark like a pine tree. In spring and summer the leaves are green. In autumn they turn a beautiful shade of orange. In late Spring the tree produces small red-winged seeds - click here for picture of the seed.

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Japanese Maple (acer palmatum) picture. Click to enlarge.

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Acer palmatum Osakazuki
Shown in the picture with olive green leaves which turn a to a dazzling red in autumn. This Japanese Maple makes a superb specimen plant and is best suited to a part shade position. Eventual height and spread is 6 metres (19ft) but this is a slow-growing tree.

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Acer palmatum dissectum Atropurpureum
Shown in the picture as it appears for most of the year, this is another acer that turns bright red in autumn. A good size for the small to medium garden with a height and spread of 2.5 metres (8ft). Compact and ideal for growing in a container.

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