Overview
Acer palmatum 'Melanie' is a bushy, spreading, upright, weeping, cascading shrubs in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acer palmatum 'Melanie' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include specimen trees, wildlife gardens and low maintenance.
About
Acer palmatum 'Melanie' is a deciduous cultivar of the Acer genus, which includes trees and shrubs known for their palmately lobed leaves and distinctive winged fruits. This cultivar features a bushy and spreading habit, thriving in full sun or partial shade and suitable for various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H6, 'Melanie' is well-suited for use as a specimen tree or in wildlife gardens, offering seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acer palmatum 'Melanie' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading, Upright, Weeping, Cascading
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Specimen trees, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer palmatum 'Melanie'
- 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 'Melanie'?
Acer palmatum 'Melanie' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acer palmatum 'Melanie' need?
Acer palmatum 'Melanie' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Acer palmatum 'Melanie' hardy in the UK?
Acer palmatum 'Melanie' 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 'Melanie'?
Seed, Grafting, Softwood cuttings.
More in the Acer genus
- Acer acuminatum
- Acer argutum
- Acer barbinerve
- Acer buergerianum 'Himcode'
- Acer buergerianum 'Naruto'
- Acer caesiumHimalayan maple
- Acer campbellii
- Acer campestre 'Schwerinii'
