Acer palmatum 'Senkaki' is a very distinctive Japanese Maple in that it has red branches which are best seen when the plant is in the process of shedding its leaves in autumn or when leafless in winter.
It is compact and nicely domed in shape with bright green leaves in spring that turn to a beautiful apricot salmon colour in autumn.
Good for small gardens or planted amongst other Maples.
Generic Acer palmatum description:
Acer palmatum, or the Japanese Maple is a deciduous shrub or small tree that has become extremely popular due of its compact habit and dainty foliage.
The fingered leaves (palmatum - as in human hand) are light green in spring, going darker as summer progresses then turning to brilliant yellows and reds in autumn.
The small flowers turn to a pair of winged samaras, each 2-3cms long.
Pretty in spring and summer then becoming spectacular in autumn, Acer palmatum are perhaps the ultimate ornamental small tree and a great favourite of landscape designers.
Being happy in sun and shade, they make an excellent understory plant in shady woodland areas or rainforest gardens and especially well alongside water features.
Japanese Maples also go well in larger pots, tubs and planters and are very popular with bonsai gardeners.
This is a naturally very variable species with great variations in height, leaf shape and colour. Many cultivars have been created in recent years giving landscape designers even more to choose from.