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Great Design Tree: Japanese Maple
Lacy form and fiery fall color make Japanese maple a welcome tree for garden or patio
In these last few days before the marathon of holiday frenzy begins, get into the Zen of gardening — if only visually — with the universally adored Japanese maple (Acer palmatum).
"Right now, Japanese maples are exploding into a gorgeous array of fall colors," says landscape architect Ami Saunders. "I love the tremendous variety afforded by the many cultivars of Japanese maples, in terms of year-round seasonal color, leaf texture, height, habit and form." With hundreds of cultivars available, you can select from virtually any color, form, size, or climate preference to suit your garden.
Fall is a great time to shop for them, as you can preview their color at the nursery. It's also a good time to get them in the ground, so their roots can get established before the spring growing season.
"Right now, Japanese maples are exploding into a gorgeous array of fall colors," says landscape architect Ami Saunders. "I love the tremendous variety afforded by the many cultivars of Japanese maples, in terms of year-round seasonal color, leaf texture, height, habit and form." With hundreds of cultivars available, you can select from virtually any color, form, size, or climate preference to suit your garden.
Fall is a great time to shop for them, as you can preview their color at the nursery. It's also a good time to get them in the ground, so their roots can get established before the spring growing season.
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| Botanical name: Acer palmatum; many cultivars Common names: Japanese maple; many cultivars USDA zones: 5-8 Water requirement: Regular Sun requirement: Soft dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade is best; too much sun will scorch its leaves. Mature size: 15-25' tall x 10-25' spread maximum, depending on cultivar |
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| Distinguishing traits. With its soft delicate feathery foliage, sweeping fluid form, and dazzling seasonal color, there aren't many ornamental trees more recognizable or desired than Japanese maple. Depending on the cultivar or variety, the growth habit can vary from a more rounded and upright tree, to spreading or even weeping in form. Japanese maple loses its leaves in winter, as with all maples, but is proceeded by a striking display of fall color in hues ranging from golden bronzes and yellows to rich reds and deep purples. |
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| A Japanese maple can be grown as a multi-stemmed tree, like this extremely mature specimen, or trained as a single trunk. The variation in Japanese maple’s form makes as equally interesting a garden feature once it drops it leaves for the season. |
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| How to use it. Allow the tree to breathe, treating it as a sculptural specimen, as shown here. In this modern adaptation of the Zen garden, the spreading branches and abounding foliage nicely contrast and soften the gravel and hardscape materials. |
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by Richard Kramer
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| The Japanese maple is a native woodland tree. The lush green color of the ferns and similarly arching silhouettes layer beautifully with the tree while still allowing it to serve as a focal point. |
Japanese maple can spend its entire life as a container specimen. Simply be sure to repot until the tree reaches a mature size, root pruning and replacing the soil every 5 years or so. These container trees flanking an entryway create a casually elegant welcome.
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| Before you plant. Japanese maples have a slow growth rate and temperamental nature and can be scarce and expensive at nurseries. After planting, be sure to keep the soil moist yet well drained, and protect the tree from severe winds and harsh sunlight which can scorch its foliage. Routine pruning can promote air and sun circulation to the core of the tree, preventing future disease or infestation. Design plants with autumn color: Persian Ironwood | Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass More great design plants: Tree Aloe | Red Kangaroo Paw | Blue Chalk Sticks | Catmint | Slipper Plant |
Comments
bepsf Japanese Maples are some of my favorite ornamental trees - So beautiful any time of the year
19 months ago · Like
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jenson Love the Japanese maple! The blog says the tree can spend its entire life in a large pot ... interesting, did not know that. Is that possible in all zones? Also, can it grow in a 4-season sunroom or is that just silly?
19 months ago · Like
· 1
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trishideas Does anyone know of a Japanese maple that stays small, say around 3'?
19 months ago · Like
· 1
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Annie Thornton Hi @trishideas, I have had 'Sharp's pygmy' recommended, reaching sizes of no more than 3' in either direction. Acers are also pretty commonly used bonsai trees.
19 months ago · Like
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sjvan native? To where?
16 months ago · Like
sailorsaturn I love Japanese maples. My parents' home has a 30-year old one that has matured nicely in her backyard and somehow has sprung a little seedling which is currently potted in her balcony. I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping that I would be able to adopt the wee specimen as an addition to my shady backyard.
5 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Jan. 7, 2013.
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