About
Acer japonicum 'King's Copse' is a compact, deciduous tree that grows to approximately 2 meters in height, developing a rounded form with gracefully arching branches. Its deeply lobed leaves are a vibrant green, accented by striking red petioles. In the fall, the foliage transforms into shades of orange-red. In early spring, before the leaves fully emerge, clusters of red flowers with yellow anthers appear, hanging delicately, and are soon followed by winged fruits that are tinged with red.
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, Sand, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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. Suits container cultivation but attention to watering is needed in dry spells during the growing season. See Japanese maples cultivation
- Pruning
- Very little to no pruning required. For more advice refer to pruning group 1.
- Propagation
- Propagate by layering in autumn, grafting in late winter 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