About
Acer japonicum is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically reaches heights of 4 to 6 meters. It features rounded leaves with 7 to 11 lobes, which can grow up to 20 centimeters in length and turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow during the fall. In spring, as the foliage begins to unfurl, it produces clusters of red-purple flowers on long stalks, which are succeeded by brownish-red winged fruits.
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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees, Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Japan, Kuril Islands
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated if soil is reliably moist. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. See Japanese maples cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, 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