About
Acer palmatum 'Ariadne' is a low-growing shrub or small tree, reaching a height of up to 3 meters. Its leaves are intricately divided, featuring 5 to 7 lobes. In spring, the foliage appears in a coppery orange-pink hue accented by green veins. As summer progresses, the leaves transition to a purplish red color with contrasting red veins, eventually shifting to orange-pink tones 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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a moist but well-drained soil. Water in summer if necessary. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. See Japanese maple cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, pruning if necessary only from late autumn to midwinter
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting, softwood cuttings or layering
- 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