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Acer pycnanthum

Japanese red maple

A deciduous tree to around 20m tall forming a rounded crown when mature. Shallowly-lobed leaves emerge bronze-green in the spring and turn shades of orange, yellow, red and purple in the autumn; the undersides of the leaves have a whitish bloom. Small clusters of red flowers are borne on the bare branches in spring and followed by reddish winged fruits in the summer

Other common names
hananoki
Synonyms
Acer rubrum var. pycnanthum
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Bronze Green
Summer Green
Autumn Orange Purple Red Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil. Acid soils will give the best autumn colour

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

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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