The image of a Japanese maple in full leaf brings to mind images of oriental calmness, still water and moss covered mountains. This elegant plant is a distinct part of the Japanese culture and consciousness through its use in both horticulture and art. In the year 1800 there were over 200 varieties of this plant in Japan. This figure grew over the next 100 years, only to have the numbers knocked back again to 200 by the catastrophe of the Second World War.

Japanese maples, also known as Acer Palmatum or Acer Japonicum, are small in stature compared to other trees. Their heights range from 1 meter to 7 meters, leading many gardeners to think of them as large shrubs rather than small trees. Words cannot do justice to the colour displayed by a Japanese maple; it must be seen to be believed. An Acer owner will experience fiery red new spring growth, calm summer foliage and even more intense fiery red autumn chilled leaves.

There are two main groups of Japanese maple the Palmate and Dissectum. The “Palmate” group has a reasonably upright growth habit with layered branches and leaves that have five to nine lobes or points.

The “Dissectum” group rightly lives up to its name with its pointed leaves split, feathered and lace-like. Due mainly to their weeping, cascading form I feel that this group of maples look particularly good when planted close by an informal water feature.

Japanese maples do well if planted in an east facing location, allowing it access to the morning sun and protecting it from the mid-day sun and shelter from winds. A moist, but free draining soil is also important requirements for good growth. A layer of bark mulch applied to the plants base 7cm thick will help prevent the plant drying out. Apply a liquid fertilizer in mid-spring and again in mid-summer at half strength to encourage good growth.

Japanese maples are perhaps the best plant to use as a focal point. But avoid planting them too close to other trees or large shrubs where they may become crowded out and lost in the mix.

Two beautiful specimen maples available in most garden centers today are “Orange Dream” and “Beni-Maiko”. Both of these Acers grow to around 1 meter tall, and are an ideal size for container growing. “Orange Dream” is worth mentioning due to its fresh yellow/green pointed leaves. The young growing tips have an orange glow, providing an attractive contrast. “Beni-Maiko” on the other hand produces lovely pink foliage in spring turning to dark red in summer. But if you choose to grow a Japanese maple in a container, try to select one that is sympathetic to the plant’s heritage, a glazed oriental style pot would be ideal.

As these Acers are shallow rooted, they are ideal for planting amongst other shrubs without having to worry about them being overpowering. For a delightful oriental scene, try planting Acer Palmatum with rhododendrons, azalea, bamboo and birch. I feel this group of trees has one of the greatest ranges of use and beauty of any horticultural plants today. The diversity of size, color, form, shape, and utility is so great that, when Japanese maples are selected wisely, they will fit almost any need.

The Japanese maple has an essence of grace, beauty, elegance, and evokes both mood and feeling, with their branches and space. These trees attract people, not only for their brilliant fall color, but also for their leaf shape, texture, delicacy. I would never try to talk someone out of introducing a Japanese maple into their garden; on the contrary, I heartily recommend it.

Continually developing “Ideas for Outdoor Living”

1. John Says:
   September 24th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

   An interesting article on Japanese maples but a number of points need clarifying. Orange Dream and Beni maiko are indeed excellent plants for container growing but don’t expect them to stop at one metre; mature specimens will reach four to five metres and even if grown in a container will make at least half that size. They also do better in full sun as this will help develop the strongest colours.

   As for companion planting, choose only those plants that are going to grow to the same size as the Japanese maple you have chosen as they dislike root competition, which rules out planting close to bamboo and birch. Regarding feeding, that doesn’t need to be started until summer as there is very little root activity in spring, but should be continued until early autumn as the greatest root activity is during that period. Mulching, of course, is essential, as the quickest way to kill a Japanese maple is to subject it to moisture stress.