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This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
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 chose from.
Soil: Prefers organic materials rich soil though will grow in most soil conditions.
Do not over-fertilise, just a light sprinkling of blood and bone in early spring.
Good for borders and alongside pathways due to their compact root system being non-invasive.
Maintenance: Does not like full sun in warmer climates - the warmer the climate the more shade it needs.
Little pruning required as they tend to make their own clearly defined shapes.
Diseases: None of note.
Other Species: 300 varieties of the Acer genus available from rock garden miniatures up to 30m giants.
Over 1,000 cultivars have been created of Acer palmatum.
Comments: Maple timber is excellent for woodworking.
Japan has seen a boom in tourism in recent years largely due to the spring blossom and autumn colour - the latter of which is largely provided by the Japanese Maples which seem to save their best and most vibrant colour for the Japanese late autumn in October and November. We recommend the Nikko National Park, north of Tokyo as a great location to see Autumn colour, along with Hakone, further south where you can combine sensational views of Mount Fuji with swathes of glorious Japanese Maple colour.
Author: Bob Saunders.
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Here we list businesses who usually sell this plant.
Online Retailers
Dawsons Garden World
Serving Perth gardeners for over 100 years, Dawsons have four Perth locations and provide on-line sales.
Delivery to: WA
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Gardenarium
Based in South Australia, specialising in mainstream, rare and unusual perennial plants along with roses and ornamental trees.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC,WA
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Local Retailers
| SA |
| Mount Gambier:
Gardenarium |
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| Vic |
| Jindivick:
Muskers at Broughton Hall Rare Plant Nursery |
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| WA |
| Perth - all suburbs:
Dawsons Garden World |
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