Acers - Japanese Maples

Intensely coloured and beautifully shaped foliage make Acer palmatum a firm favourite. Commonly known as Japanese Maples, they also boast a graceful shape, whether weeping, dwarf or more spreading forms. We offer a fantastic range of popular and rarer Japanese Maple varieties, so there is plenty of choice. You’ll find them in the polytunnel our staff have fondly nicknamed the Acer Tunnel, kept well stocked throughout the year.

Japanese Maples are deciduous small trees renowned for their varied and changing colourful foliage. Some varieties have particularly dramatic seasonal transformations.

The amount of sunlight required varies between cultivars, with red and purple leaved Japanese Maples coping with the most sunlight and even requiring some to fully develop their dark hues. On the other hand, variegated Japanese Maples need partial shade to prevent the afternoon sun from scorching the foliage.

Most are slow growing, making them popular in smaller gardens or planted in large containers as a feature plant.

Although tolerant of all soils, a well-drained soil and sheltered position is preferred. For the best foliage colour, plant using ericaceous compost and water with rainwater instead of tap water. Japanese Acers have an attractive domed or spreading natural shape and so require very little pruning. Any pruning should be carried out in the dormant season when frosts aren’t due, as Japanese Maples bleed at other times of the year.