About
Acer palmatum 'Aka-shigitatsu-sawa' is a bushy, deciduous tree that typically reaches a height of around 4 meters. Its leaves are deeply lobed, featuring seven segments that measure between 4 to 6 centimeters in length and 6 to 9 centimeters in width. Each leaf tapers to a sharp point and has wavy edges. When they first emerge, the foliage displays a crimson hue, transitioning to a light yellow-green with dark veins, accented by shades of pink and red that persist into the summer. As autumn approaches, the leaves shift to dark green before turning red. Spring brings inconspicuous red-purple flowers, which may later develop into winged red 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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- 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
- 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 any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Leaf colour is best in partial shade. 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. Suitable for bonsai cultivation. See Japanese maples cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 from late autumn to midwinter only
- 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