Acer palmatum var. heptalobum
seven-lobed Japanese maple
A small, finely-branched, deciduous tree. The palmate foliage has seven to nine leaflets and turns red and orange in autumn. Clusters of tiny, hanging, red flowers are followed by small, red-green, sycamore-like seeds
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. Hot, dry air, cold winds or late frost may cause leaf scorching. Mulch in autumn to protect the fine, surface roots from cold and drying out
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
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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