About
Acer palmatum 'Azuma-murasaki' is a resilient, deciduous shrub that can reach heights of up to 6 meters. Its leaves are lobed, initially showing a dusty yellow-orange hue. As they mature, the leaves transition to a reddish-purple color with green undertones. During the summer, the foliage shifts to a richer green with a reddish tint, eventually transforming into a deep red 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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
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
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting 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