About
Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire' is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub that typically reaches around 2 meters in height. Initially upright, it develops a spreading habit over time. The young stems are a vibrant red, while the leaves are lobed with 7 to 9 divisions. New growth emerges in orange, accented by red veins, transitioning to green as summer approaches, and then displaying golden-yellow hues in the fall, often with orange highlights when exposed to full sunlight. In spring, it produces clusters of purple and white flowers that add to its appeal.
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
- Clay, Sand, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 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 fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Suitable for dry, shady situations but best autumn leaf colour in full sun. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
- 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