About
Acer elegantulum can attain a height of approximately 15 meters, though it typically remains around 5 meters when cultivated. Its leaves are thin and lobed, featuring five sections, with the three middle lobes extending more than the outer ones. Initially, the foliage appears light purple, transitioning to green during the summer months and showcasing orange-red tones in the fall. This species thrives best in sheltered areas or when planted against a wall for protection.
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
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a sheltered, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. See Japanese maple cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but prune only from late autumn to midwinter
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn or spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, acer leaf scorch and honey fungus