Ornamental Maples for the Garden

Acers or maples are a group of 200 different species of ornamental trees and shrubs occurring throughout the northern hemisphere. Most of them are deciduous and many have decorative foliage. The species found in China and Japan are among the most attractive specimens, with deeply cut lobed leaves, and brilliant leaf colours especially in autumn. The genus includes a number of small trees only a few feet in height, making them suitable for the smallest garden, or even for pot-growing, and rivalling in popularity other small ornamental trees like flowering cherries and lilacs.

The British National Collection is held at Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS.

Among the most popular species and varieties, all of which can be easily found in specialist nurseries, or good garden centres, are:

Acer Japonicum

Japanese maple. Slow growing. Maximum height 20ft, spread 12 feet. Soft green 7-11 lobed leaves.turning crimson in autumn.

Acer Japonicum Aureum

Very slow growing. Maximum height 5-7 feet, spread 5 ft. Brilliant gold leaves turn rich crimson in autumn. Needs shelter from cold winds and prefers part shade.

Acer Japonicum Vitifolium

Slow growing, maximum height and spread 7ft. Autumn leaves crimson with gold veins.

Acer Negundo FlamingoMaximum height and spread 20ft. Very attractive pink/white edged young leaves.

Acer Palmatum

Slow growing. Maximum height 15 ft, spread 8 ft. Green leaves turn golden red in autumn.

Acer Palmatum Bloodgood

Maximum height and spread 15 ft. A particularly strongly coloured hybrid with dark red/purple leaves. Prefers partial shade.

Acer Palmatum Nomura

Maximum height and spread 15 ft. A particularly strongly coloured hybrid with deep purple leaves set against silver white bark. Orange red autumn foliage.

Acer Palmatum Dissectum

A smaller version of acer palmatum with deeply cut green leaves.

Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum

A smaller version of acer palmatum with deep copper/bronze foliage turning bright red in autumn.

Acer Palmatum Dissectum Garnet

Slow growing. Maximum height and spread 10 ft. A smaller version of acer palmatum with deeply cut leaves of deep orange/red..

Acer Palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum

Rarely grows to more than 4ft, and is a particularly attractive copper-leafed version with a lovely tiered habit.

Acer Griseum

The Paper Bark maple. A slow growing tree, maximum height 15 ft, spread 8 ft. Pretty copper/orange peeling bark. Green leaves and modest yellow pendant flowers. Orange/red autumn foliage.

Cultivation

• Plant in moist but well drained neutral or slightly acid soil.
• They will tolerate full sun but most are happiest in part shade – ideally the dappled shade of a larger tree.
• If possible choose a spot sheltered from the wind, as they suffer from wind burn, and a strong wind can carry away the autumn leaves just as they’re at their most colourful.