Acer palmatum 'Samurai'
Japanese maple 'Aka-shigitatsu-sawa'
Bushy, deciduous tree about 4m tall, with deeply separated 7 lobed leaves 4-6cm long and 6-9cm wide, tapered to a sharp point and with wavy margins. Young leaves open crimson then dark veined, light yellow-green, overlaid with pink and red, holding this distinctive blend of colours into summer, later turning dark green, then red in autumn. Inconspicuous red-purple flowers in spring may be followed by winged, red fruits
Synonyms
Acer palmatum 'Samurai'Acer palmatum 'Beni-shigitatsu-sawa'
see moreAcer palmatum 'Samurai Aka Shigitatsu Sawa'
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple Red | Green Pink Bronze | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Red | ||
Autumn | Red | |||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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 any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Leaf colour is best in partial shade. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. Suits container cultivation but attention to watering is needed in dry spells during the growing season. Suitable for bonsai cultivation. See Japanese maples cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pruning group 1 from late autumn to midwinter only
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
Get involved
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