Overview
Acer palmatum Thunb. var. septemlobum is a bushy, spreading, upright, weeping, cascading shrubs in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acer palmatum Thunb. var. septemlobum 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, 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 southeast 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.
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 Thunb. var. septemlobum 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 Thunb. var. septemlobum
- 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 Thunb. var. septemlobum?
Acer palmatum Thunb. var. septemlobum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acer palmatum Thunb. var. septemlobum need?
Acer palmatum Thunb. var. septemlobum 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 Thunb. var. septemlobum hardy in the UK?
Acer palmatum Thunb. var. septemlobum 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 Thunb. var. septemlobum?
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'
