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Acer shirasawanum 'Palmatifolium'

A deciduous small tree or large shrub, to around 5m high, with rounded leaves divided into up to 11 coarsely toothed lobes. Leaves emerge pale green tinted with pink, and turn bright green in summer before colouring orange, red and purple in autumn. Clusters of creamy-yellow flowers in spring are followed by brownish-red winged fruits

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Pink
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Orange Red Purple Red Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Unresolved

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 layering or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • 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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