Japanese Maples

By Ms Sherry

Published: December 3, 2008

‘Sharp’s Pygmy’

‘Shaina’

If there is one plant in the garden that makes me stop and stare four seasons of the year, it is the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). I am especially fond of the dwarf ones; I have 28 different trees in my garden and all but two are named; each one has its own charm and personality. The palmatums come in a range of sizes from dwarf that may reach only three feet to those that may reach twenty feet at maturity. Many are so slow-growing that they will never outgrow their original space. Many sport leaves variegated with an array of colors. Japanese maples can fit in any corner in the garden if you have the right conditions. Some selections can easily make a large pot their home. (If you grow them in a pot, please do not put them on concrete in the sun as the heat will be too much for them.) Mine are all growing in filtered shade although there are a few hardy souls such as ‘Waterfall’ who will take full sun in my climate zone (7B-8A). My experience, however, has been that they do better protected from the afternoon sun. Japanese maples do not like extreme drought conditions and, if not kept well watered when there is no rain, they will quickly defoliate. They will put out new leaves. It is best, however, to keep them well watered so that the stress of losing their leaves and putting them back on again can be avoided.  In very hot and dry conditions the tips of the leaves can also look as if they are burned. I can’t tell you which one is my favorite. ‘Sangu Kaku’ is a stunner for the bark that turns red in the winter. There are many selections with lovely lacy foliage. Some grow upright; others weep. ‘Viridis’ can’t be topped for its wonderful cascading growth habit resembling an umbrella. For fall color Japanese maples put on a magnificent show with foliage in shades of red, bronze, yellow, and orange; the spring foliage can take your breath away too. ‘Butterfly’ sports pink markings on the leaves. Even the bare trunks and twigs add interest and texture to the winter garden. There are so many cultivars that I could go on for pages so I would recommend your adding JAPANESE MAPLES by J.D. Vertrees to your book shelf. Even if you have no room in your garden to plant one yourself, the photographs and descriptions in the book are so marvelous it is worthwhile having.

Consider planting at least one Japanese maple in your landscape, taking into consideration its eventual size, its growth habits, and its cultural needs. They are not difficult trees to grow but one of the most rewarding to have.