Overview
Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' is a bushy, rounded tree in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental and shade tree. It is native to China.
About
Acer davidii, or Père David's maple, is a species of maple in the snakebark maple group. It is native to China, from Jiangsu south to Fujian and Guangdong, and west to southeastern Gansu and Yunnan.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acer davidii
About the genus
Acer is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. There are approximately 132 species, most of which are native to East Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Maple", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Maple
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- loamy, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Rounded
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, shade tree
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer davidii 'Viper Bush'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid exposure to strong winds.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
- Pest resistance
- Acer gall mite, Aphids, Caterpillars, Horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Acer davidii 'Viper Bush'?
Prefers sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid exposure to strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Acer davidii 'Viper Bush'?
Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' need?
Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' grows best in loamy and well-drained soil. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Acer davidii 'Viper Bush'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Is Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' hardy in the UK?
Acer davidii 'Viper Bush' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Acer davidii 'Viper Bush'?
Propagation by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Acer genus
- Acer grosseri
- Acer palmatum 'Englishtown' (Dw)Japanese Maple
- Acer palmatum 'Hippy-fin-mo' (Dw)Japanese Maple
- Acer palmatum 'Korin' (A)Japanese Maple
- Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn'Shirasawa maple
