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Acer japonicum

Japanese maple

A deciduous large shrub or small tree about 4-6m in height, with rounded 7-11 lobed mid-green leaves to 20cm long, richly coloured red, orange and yellow in autumn. Bears long stalked clusters of red-purple flowers in spring as the leaves open, followed by brownish-red winged fruits

Other common names
full moon maple
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Green Brown Red
Autumn Red Orange Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Bushy
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

Correct

Plant range
Japan, Kuril Islands

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated if soil is reliably moist. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. See Japanese maples cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter 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

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