Most cultivars are grafted and can be grown as a single or multi-stemmed small tree. Young leaves of this species are sensitive to frost and are not drought tolerant. Some cultivars have colorful twigs and young branches. This is a prized specimen tree and one of the more versatile maple species for landscape use. Color varies from green during summer to yellow, bronze, purple, and red in fall (color varies with cultivar). Leaves are 2 to 5 inches, opposite, and simple with five to nine lobes. Plant in dappled shade and evenly moist, well-drained soil, protecting it from drying winds. Growth is slow to moderate, and the tree assumes a layered look with a low, dense, rounded top and spreading branches. Acer is Latin for sharp and palmatum means shaped like a hand, referring to the leaves. Weeping as well as upright varieties exist, and the species is well noted for its beautiful deep red and orange summer color that deepens into the fall. The Japanese maple is a short tree in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family, native to southeast Korea and central and south Japan, and noted for having many aesthetically pleasing forms. With such easy care and beauty, nothing is more rewarding than planting a Japanese maple in the landscape.Phonetic Spelling AY-ser pahl-MAY-tum Description You can make small, corrective cuts any time of year. Cut out scraggly interior twigs and branches but leave the structural branches as they are. Pull the mulch back a few inches (8 cm.) from the trunk to prevent rot.Īny heavy pruning should be performed in late winter before the leaf buds begin to open. Cut back on the amount of water in late summer to intensify the fall color.Īdding 3 inches (8 cm.) of mulch helps the soil retain moisture and inhibits the growth of weeds. Apply the water to the root zone slowly so that the soil can absorb as much water as possible. Water the tree deeply in the absence of rain. Caring for Japanese maples in summer is mainly a matter of providing enough water to prevent stress. The trees grow well in almost any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. In addition, growing Japanese maples in a location with more exposure to bright sunlight leads to more intense fall color. You’ll see less scorching as the tree ages. When you are growing Japanese maples, the trees need a location with full sun or partial shade, but planting a Japanese maple in full sun may result in scorched leaf margins on young trees in summer, especially in hot climates. Plant them where you need to add fine texture in the garden. Use upright types as understory trees in woodland gardens. Smaller cultivars are the perfect size for shrub borders and large patio containers. Growing Japanese maples make excellent specimen or lawn trees. This variety is also sturdier in appearance and bears reddish purple flowers in spring. japonicum extends the growing area into zone 5. palmatum is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, A. Most horticulturalists refer to cultivars of Acer palmatum as Japanese maples, but a few also include A. Continue reading to learn more about how to grow a Japanese maple tree. Japanese maples are noted for their lacy, finely cut leaves, brilliant fall color, and delicate structure. With so many different sizes, colors, and leaf shapes, it’s hard to describe a typical Japanese maple, but without exception, these attractive trees with their refined growth habit are an asset to the home landscape.
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