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Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'
  • RHS AGM

downy Japanese maple 'Aconitifolium'

A large bushy deciduous shrub or small tree. Leaves rounded, with 7-11 deeply cut main lobes, turning crimson in autumn. Flowers red, hanging beneath the shoots in spring

Synonyms
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium Maiku Jaku'
Acer japonicum 'Filicifolium'
see moreAcer japonicum 'Laciniatum'
Acer palmatum 'Meigetso'
Acer japonicum 'Mai-kujaku'
Acer shirasawanum 'Lacinatum'
Acer japonicum Meigetsu
Acer parsonii
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil. Water in summer if necessary. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure

Propagation

Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus

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