About

Acer 'Ample Surprise' PBR is a small deciduous tree, reaching approximately 3 meters in height within a decade. Its leaves are palmate and glossy, starting as a deep red before transitioning to green from the center outward. In spring, it produces small yellow-green flowers, which are succeeded by small, winged seeds. As autumn approaches, the foliage displays shades of orange and red before falling.

About the genus

Acer consists of deciduous trees or sizable shrubs featuring pairs of leaves that are frequently palmately lobed. These plants produce small flowers that give way to distinctive winged fruits. Numerous species display vibrant autumn foliage, while certain varieties also exhibit decorative stems.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Trees

Habit

Columnar upright, Spreading branched

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained, ideally slightly acidic soil, in a sheltered position with protection from drying winds. Thrives in part shade, as some sun is needed to develop the leaf colour, 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

Pruning

Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1. Prune from late autumn to mid-winter only

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings, layering or grafting

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus