Acer palmatum 'Red Wood' (P)
A deciduous shrub or small tree, to around 4m high, with striking red bark contrasting with deeply lobed leaves that emerge bright lime green in spring. Leaves mature to mid green before turning pale yellow, peach and pink in autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Pink Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- 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 moisture-retentive, well-drained, ideally slightly acidic soil, in a sheltered position with protection from drying winds. Thrives in part shade, though will tolerate full sun if soil is reliably moist. Mulch in spring to improve moisture retention. See Japanese maples cultivation
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1. Prune from late autumn to mid-winter 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
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