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 The
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) includes an incredibly diverse and
beautiful variety of hybrids. (Over 300 cultivars). They may vary
considerably in leaf shape from the 'typical' Maple leaf, to deeply cut
'Lace leaf' varieties. The foliage colours range from light green to a
deep burgundy.
The growth habit may vary
from a low growing, dwarf weeping variety to a 7-8 metre tall shade tree.
Although Japanese maples look as though they would be delicate, they are
hardy and durable trees, seldom damaged by insect pests or by air
pollutants.
Originating from Japan,
Korea and China, cultivated for centuries, a familiar tree in the Blue
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Acer
palmatum
'Sango Kaku' |
Mountains preferring all
but the warmer areas, but autumn colour is at its best in the cooler
regions.
Most maples, especially
lace leaf varieties are slow growing. They grow best in a moist, well
draining, fertile soil preferring protection from mid summer sun and hot
drying winds to avoid leaf tip burning. When they are grown in areas with
hot dry sun, they should be grown in partial shade (afternoon shade) to
protect them from scorching, where summer temperatures are more moderate,
they will do quite well in full sun.
Dwarf varieties (and to a
lesser extent, the tall, upright forms), can be easily and successfully
grow in large containers or planters, provided there is good drainage.
Fertilise in early spring
by making a series of 50mm holes, 150mm deep, and 600mm apart, at the drip
line. Fill each hole half way with a good all purpose, slow release plant
food. Always water thoroughly after feeding.
Plant Japanese maples in
spring. It may be necessary to provide support stakes to prop up
young slender branches until they have
developed and strengthened, because the weight of the new foliage may tend
to cause the branch to droop to the ground.
Prune Japanese maples in
late autumn or winter, while they are dormant, removing any dead or
damaged branches. They adapt well to pruning and are easily thinned and
sculpted to accentuate their graceful shape. You may prune further to
control the size, or create the shape which suits your landscape needs.
It is possible to
propagate these trees from seed, but the selected cultivars should be
grafted. Japanese maples can be
easily transplanted (even larger specimens).
Popular Upright Forms
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Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'(red
burgundy leaves)
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Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'(red stems with yellow/lime leaves)
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Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Sieryu'(lovely lacy green foliage)
The better know
weeping maples are grafted onto taller seedlings and form a mushroom shape
cascade.
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