Description
Acer palmatum – Japanese Maple
Quality: 1/1 P 30-50
Acer palmatum – Japanese Maple
Brief Description: The Japanese Maple from Japan and Korea is the epitome of an elegant ornamental tree – with finely dissected, palmate foliage, a picturesquely spreading crown, and an unparalleled autumn display. Depending on the variety, it glows scarlet, orange, gold, or remains crimson all year round. As a solitary specimen, in containers, or as underplanting beneath light-canopied woody plants, it is a timeless classic for gardens and patios.
Climatic Characteristics & Site Conditions: The Japanese Maple prefers semi-shady, wind-protected locations with fresh, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. It does not tolerate calcareous sites and is sensitive to waterlogging. In Southern Germany, it thrives particularly well in the mild, moister areas around Lake Constance, in the Markgräflerland, and in sheltered city gardens. Late frosts can damage young shoots – avoid wind-exposed and frost-prone locations. Winter hardy down to approx. –20 °C depending on the variety.
Advantages: Unrivaled autumn foliage, wide variety of cultivars for every garden type, also suitable for smaller gardens, picturesque habit, versatile for use in containers.
Disadvantages: No calcareous soils, sensitive to wind and late frosts, no waterlogging, only conditionally suitable for harsh high-altitude and continental climates, demanding regarding location, more expensive to purchase.
