Acer palmatum Going Green ('Sonkootgre'PBR)
Japanese maple [Going Green]
A small, rounded, bushy tree growing slowly to about 5m tall with luminous green stems. Leaves have seven long, pointed lobes, opening lime green in spring, maturing to bright green, then turning orange and red in autumn. Inconspicuous hanging clusters of small, green flowers are followed by red-flushed, winged seeds
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | Green Red | |
| Autumn | Green | Green Orange Red | Green Red | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated if soil is reliably moist. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. See Japanese maples cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings, layering or by grafting. Plants grown from seed are unlikely to come true, but may still be garden worthy
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1, only from late autumn to mid-winter
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and scale insects, including horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
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