Acer japonicum 'Ō-isami'
downy Japanese maple 'O-isami'
Round-topped, deciduous tree about 7-8m tall, with sturdy, thick branches and twigs, and 9-11 lobed leaves to 20cm across, with tapered ends deeply notched. Young leaves are pale yellow-green, maturing to a rich green that lasts to autumn when they take on fiery tones of red, yellows and scarlet. Inconspicuous red-purple flowers in spring may be followed by winged, red fruits
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 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 | Yellow Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Red | ||
Autumn | Red Yellow | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
Accepted
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 layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Very little to no pruning required. For more advice refer to pruning group 1.
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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