About
Acer circinatum 'Little Gem' is a small deciduous shrub or dwarf tree that typically reaches about 1 meter in height. It features a spreading growth habit, creating a mound of small, broadly rounded leaves with lobed edges. The foliage begins as pale green, occasionally accented by a pinkish border, maturing to a rich green throughout the summer months. In the fall, the leaves transition to vibrant shades of orange and red.
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
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 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, 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