Acer palmatum 'Mon Papa' (M)

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese maple 'Mon Papa'
Trees Shrubs

A deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 4m high, with a spreading habit and deeply lobed leaves that emerge reddish and mature to deep olive green flushed with bronze. Autumn colours are rusty orange and red

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
Name Status
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Acers in this matsumurae group are deeply divided to around three quarters of the leaf with coarsely-toothed edges and narrow, pointed lobes

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained, ideally slightly acidic soil, in a sheltered position with protection from drying winds. Thrives in part shade, though some sun is needed to develop the leaf colour; will tolerate full sun if soil is reliably moist. Mulch in spring to improve moisture retention. See Japanese maples cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by layering or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1. Prune from late autumn to mid-winter only

Pests

May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus