Acer palmatum 'Summer Gold' (P)
Japanese maple 'Summer Gold'
A small, slow-growing, upright tree with a rounded crown, ultimately reaching 2m in height and spread. The leaves have seven lobes, open pink in spring, then lime green to yellow with a fine red edge in summer and golden yellow with orange and red shades in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers in spring are followed by red, winged fruit held above the foliage in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow Red | |||
| Autumn | Orange Red | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–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
Not established
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in slightly acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil, but tolerates most soils if improved with well-rotted organic matter. Hot, dry air, cold wind and late frost may cause leaf scorching. Mulch in autumn to protect shallow roots from cold and drying out. See Japanese maple cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or by layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
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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