Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples are deciduous trees and shrubs in the Acer palmatum group, prized for finely cut leaves and bright autumn colour. Articles look at the major cultivar groups (palmatum, dissectum, linearilobum), favourite named varieties like Bloodgood, Sango Kaku, Crimson Queen and Orangeola, the right exposure for red versus green leaved trees, soil acidity preferences and the slow growth that makes them suit container culture and bonsai. There are practical notes on pruning, on protecting young grafts from late frost and on why a Pacific Northwest garden grows them better than a Texas one.