About

Acer japonicum 'Green Cascade' is a deciduous large shrub or small tree characterized by its graceful, weeping form. The foliage consists of deeply lobed leaves, typically 9 to 11 lobes, which can reach up to 10 cm in length and display a vibrant green throughout the growing season. In the fall, these leaves transform into a palette of red, orange, and yellow hues. During spring, as the leaves begin to unfurl, clusters of red-purple flowers appear on long stalks, eventually giving way to 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
Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Pendulous weeping
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
Pruning
Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only. Train leading shoot vertically when young to obtain a weeping habit
Propagation
Propagate by 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