Acer palmatum

Acer palmatum, better known as the Japanese maple tree, palmate maple or smooth Japanese maple, is a beautiful and beloved exotic plant that adds a hint of oriental elegance to your exterior. Acer palmatum originates in Eastern Asia and is appreciated for its beauty and colours, particularly in fall. There are numerous varieties of the Japanese maple, each with its own characteristics and colours. From bright red to deep purple and even green. Acer palmatum offers a spectacular show of colours throughout the year. With its elegant shape and colours, this tree is a real eye-catcher for your garden!

This is how you should care for Acer palmatum

It is good to know how to care for your Acer maple tree so it can thrive in your garden. Here are some of the most important maintenance tips:

1. Light and location: Acer palmatum grows best in half shade to slightly shady locations. Although it sometimes needs protection against the midday sun, it still needs to receive sufficient light as well.
2. Soil: Use well drained soil that is rich in organic material. Acidic soil is best for these trees.
3. Watering: Keep the soil humid, but avoid soaking it. Japanese maples prefer watering in the morning, as it prevents fungi diseases.
4. Pruning: Pruning so now and then keeps the tree healthy and in shape. It also increases the air circulation.
5. Winter protection: In colder climates, it may be good to protect the tree in periods of severe frosts. Especially young plants can be vulnerable to severe frost in combination with wind.

Acer palmatum is very hardy

Acer maple trees are hardy and can survive temperatures well below freezing. In colder climates, we recommend using winter protection during very severe frosts. A layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help stabilize the temperature and offer protection to the roots.

Various Acer palmatum species

There are many different species of Acer palmatum trees to fulfil your garden wishes with. Whether you have a small garden and prefer a small dwarf maple that does not reach taller than 2 metres, or a tall, impressive eye-catcher, there’s always one that suits your wishes. Acer palmatum trees offer a wide range of colours, such as purple, pink, red, yellow and green. During fall, they will surprise you with an amazing show of colours. Dark-coloured leaves can withstand bright sun best. Aside from the colours, each species also has its own shape of leaves, which means that Acer maple trees can offer a large variation in colours and shapes. Whether you will put them in a pot or plant them in open ground, they all will be a great addition to any exterior.

Reproducing Japanese maple trees

If you have become inspired by Acer palmatum and would like to produce some yourself, you can do so by cutting them. This may require some patience, as Japanese maple trees tend to grow slowly and new cuttings may not develop very quickly. The best moment for cutting is in spring. That way, cuttings can benefit from a whole growth season before you report them in fall. Put the cuttings, once they have developed roots, in a mixture of sand and soil and provide water and indirect sunlight. After that, you need to wait for it to develop leaves on the mini tree.

Buying Acer palmatum at MyPalmShop!

If you are considering buying Acer palmatum for your garden, MyPalmShop is the right address. We offer a wide range of beautiful Acer palmatum trees. Whether you are looking for a full sized tree or a small specimen to maintain yourself, in our web shop you will find the perfect Japanese maple tree for your garden.