Acer circinatum 'Little Gem'
A compact deciduous shrub or dwarf tree, to around 1m high, with a spreading habit forming a mound of small, broadly rounded, lobed green leaves. Leaves emerge pale green, sometimes with a pinkish margin, and turn deep green over summer and then orange and red in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red Orange Yellow Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
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, but will tolerate full sun if soil is reliably moist. Mulch in spring, especially when grown in containers, to improve moisture retention. See Japanese maples cultivation
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
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
Get involved
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