Overview
Acer palmatum is a tree, shrub deciduous tree in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 8.0 m tall. Acer palmatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include specimen trees, ornamental bark and autumn foliage. It is native to Korea, Japan, China, eastern Mongolia and far eastern Russia.
About
Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese maple, palmate maple, or smooth Japanese maple, is a species of woody plant native to Korea, Japan, China, eastern Mongolia, and far eastern Russia. Many different cultivars of this maple have been selected and they are grown worldwide for their large variety of attractive forms, leaf shapes, and spectacular colors.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acer palmatum
About the genus
Acer is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. There are approximately 132 species, most of which are native to East Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Maple", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Maple
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acer palmatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous tree
- Habit
- Tree, Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Specimen trees, Ornamental bark, Autumn foliage
- Native to
- Korea, Japan, China, eastern Mongolia, far eastern Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer palmatum
- Propagation
- Seed, Grafting, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Acer gall mite, Aphids, Caterpillars, Horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acer palmatum?
Acer palmatum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acer palmatum need?
Acer palmatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Acer palmatum grow?
Acer palmatum reaches a height of 8.0 m.
Is Acer palmatum hardy in the UK?
Acer palmatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Acer palmatum?
Seed, Grafting, Softwood cuttings.
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More in the Acer genus
- Acer grosseri
- Acer palmatum 'Englishtown' (Dw)Japanese Maple
- Acer palmatum 'Hippy-fin-mo' (Dw)Japanese Maple
- Acer palmatum 'Korin' (A)Japanese Maple
- Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn'Shirasawa maple
