A Tree for Every Garden!

Japanese maples provide the vivid autumnal colour at Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver B.C.

'Hogyoku', 15' to 18' x 12' to 15', green foliage turns a brilliant yellow orange in fall.

Purple laceleaf Japanese maple, 6 to 8 ft tall & wide, slow growth, contorted branches, fiery orange fall colour.

'Bloodgood' red foliage turns burgundy in summer and bright scarlet in fall, 15 to 20 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide.

The 'bones' of a red cutleaf Japanese maple.

A very large 'Bloodgood' crimson Japanese maple, probably grown from a seed.

The yellow fall leaves of a delicate Japanese maple.

This Crimson Queen cutleaf Japanese maple (A. palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen') is a grafted dwarf cultivar.

The lacy leaves of the 'Crimson Queen' cutleaf Japanese maple.

'Inaba Shidare' has a rounded top with cascading branches, 10 ft by 12 ft., burgundy foliage turns crimson in fall.

An attractive brightly coloured vase-shaped specimen in fall.

Seeds are in sets of two and are winged and are referred to as samaras. Pictured Tamukeyama samaras.

Golden leaves surround a cutleaf Japanese maple to expose intricate structure.

'Emperor One' grows to 15' x 15', burgundy foliage turns bright crimson in fall.

'Linearilobum', aka 'bamboo maple' due to it's bamboo-like stems. Green leaves turn yellow in fall and grows to 20' x 20'.

Common Name:  Japanese maple
Botanical Name:  Acer palmatum
Form:    upright, vase or rounded, weeping forms available
Family:  Sapindaceae
Genus:  Acer
Species:  palmatum
Plant Type: deciduous tree
Mature Size:  10-25 ft. (3.0 -7.6 m) depending on variety, cultivar
Growth: fast
Origin:  China, Korea, Japan
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
Foliage:  simple, opposite, palmate up to 7 inches long, deep lobes, serrated margins varied shapes, colours due to diversity of species, brilliant fall colours
Flowers: not showy, reddish and yellow umbels in April
Fruit: seeds in pairs and bear wings, (samaras, keys) up to ¾ inches long, ripen in fall and are viable, therefore will germinate to create new plants
Exposure:  sun to partial shade, dappled shade, sheltered location, prefers part shade in afternoon
Soil:  moist, organically rich, slightly acid, well-drained, mulch beneficial
Uses:  specimen, accent, foundation plant, woodland, bonsai, container, understory tree, mixed borders, small gardens and patios, Asian
Propagation:  seeds, softwood cuttings in summer,  
Pruning:  minimal pruning in winter
​Problems:  hot, sunny sites damages foliage, fusarium, vertillium wilt, arid conditions promote spider mites, high pH induces chlorosis

Comments:  Japanese maples are known for their grace, form and colour, which they bestow on any garden that is lucky to have one. Their shape varies from upright with a round crown, vase shaped with multiple stems, to gracefully weeping and short, round shrubs.
 
Plant breeders have a field day developing new and wonderful Japanese maples because it’s so easy to do. Their little winged seeds (samaras or keys), are viable and - variable. The many seeds that are produced are variations of both parents. Plant breeders, professional and otherwise, look for those with something special and different to offer in the way of plant shape and size as well as foliage shape, size and colour. Those grown from seed are so diverse that some they often lose their small stature and grow into substantial trees - you just never know what you're going to get. 
 
To add to the many varieties developed from seeds, cultivars are also available. Cultivars are bred from growth that is delightfully different from all the other branches, such as an individual stem that has variegated foliage. Those unique stems are then grafted onto another Japanese maple, referred to as a rootstock. Dwarfing rootstocks, and ones that promote a weeping habit, add to the versatility and popularity of these handsome little trees.  
 
Japanese maples perform well in moist, rich soils with a generous layer of mulch. Avoid placing them in hot, sunny exposed locations to prevent the leaves from turning brown and crispy. They appreciate partial shade in the afternoon during the heat of summer. ​

'Villa Taranto', 6'-10', reddish purple leaves in spring turn green in summer and orange in autumn.

A Japanese maple bonsai.

Dark branches contrast nicely with the colourful foliage and superb form of this Japanese maple tree.

An elegant Japanese maple enhances the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel.

Inconspicuous flowers appear in spring as leaves emerge.

Many Japanese maples foliage turn a bright crimson in autumn.

Three different Japanese maples show off their different shapes and colours.

'Shishigashira', 7'- 15', compact growth, slow growing, crinkled green foliage turns yellow and red in autumn.

'Osakazuki', 15'- 25' x 10'- 18', green foliage turns crimson in fall.

VanDusen Botanical Gardens has many wonderful Japanese maple trees throughout.

'Red Spider' samaras. Seeds are viable, so grow them on and see what develops!

'Nishiki-gawa' pinebark Japanese maple, 15'x15', green foliage turns red, yellow and orange in autumn.

Coral Bark Maple, ​Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku', through the seasons.

Coral bark maple immature stems are a pretty coral colour.

Green summer leaves.

Coral bark maple immature stems are a pretty coral colour.

Pinkish yellow foliage in spring turns green in summer then bright yellow in autumn.

The unique coral stems are outstanding in winter gardens.