Acer palmatum
Japanese Maple
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Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) - Description
Japanese Maples, A. palmatum, are shrubs or trees that are native to Japan and Korea. They are slow growing trees, growing to heights of 20 feet with equal or greater spread. Their leaves grow to 2-4 inches long and are deeply cut into 5-9 toothed lobes. In spring, they are glowing red; in summer, they bear a soft green color; in the fall, foliage is scarlet, orange, or yellow; in the winter, they are slender, leafless branches in green and red.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) - Blooming
Blooms tiny, purple-red flowers. Followed by red-winged fruit in late summer.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) - Growth
A. palmatum grows best with sun or partial shade. Japanese maples, especially the young trees, are most vulnerable in spring. First signs of warm weather will cause the trees to break dormancy and start to leaf. However, there are often frosts that come after this intial warming that may damage plants. Protect maples from extreme cold and frost, and also from strong, drying winds.Many varieties of Japanese maple grow in containers. Great specimen trees. Also good for borders. Suitable choices for bonsai.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) - Planting
Plant Japanese maples during winter or early spring when ripe. Best months to plant are October-December. Sow seeds directly into the ground or in containers outdoors. Sow seeds about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. Water when conditions are dry. Also provide a mulch that will insulate the roots and protect early spring growth.Conduct grafting in late winter.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) - Pest
Leaf tip burn will often occur if the plant is given too much water, too little water, or an excess of fertilizer (especially salt based). Newly planted maples may also experience leaf tip burn, because their roots are not fully developed to absorb water. Providing maples with afternoon shade and appropriate amounts of water usually remedies leaf tip burn. When maples are stressed, they become more vulnerable to insect pests like aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars. It is always best to rid of these pests early when they appear. Watch out for fungal problems during hot, damp conditions. Contain these problems by maintaining good air circulation, sanitation, and soil drainage.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) - Interesting facts
There are many cultivars of A. palmatum with diverse growth habits such as drooping, upright, cascading, and irregular. They also come in interesting shapes like vase-shaped and dome-shaped. Japanese maples also vary in leaf color and size. Find a variety that interests you!
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) - Soil and irrigation
Japanese maples grow best in soil that is fertile, moist, and well-draining. Best to water deep twice a week. More water may be required if the plant is newly grown or is in a container. Enhance water retention by mulching maples with 2.5-3" of shredded bark (preferably hardwood). Apply mulch around the entire root zone of the tree--make sure the mulch does not touch the trunk. Drought conditions may cause Japanese maples to shed their leaves. With enough water, a new set of leaves will grow.To promote attractive fall color, reduce the water in late summer and early fall. However, do not let the plant dry out!
