About

Acer japonicum 'Fairy Lights' is a compact, deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching approximately 1.8 meters in height with a broad, spreading canopy. The foliage consists of finely divided leaves that start as green in the spring, transforming into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as autumn arrives. In spring, it may produce small red flowers, which can give way to winged fruits in the fall.

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, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Trees

Habit

Spreading branched

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

20-50 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in a place sheltered from cold drying winds and from late frosts, in full sun where its colours will develop best or in light dappled shade, in moist but well-drained neutral or acidic soil that does not dry out in summer or become waterlogged in winter, and protect roots with an open-textured organic mulch such as coarse bark; for more advice, see Japanese maple cultivation

Pruning

Pruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs) and prune if necessary only from late autumn to midwinter

Propagation

Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings

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