Owen Chubb Garden Landscapers Limited is an award winning garden landscaping company in Dublin, Ireland. This is our blog where we share our ideas, day-to-day experiences and inspiration. More about us...

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Maples – delightful forms with stunning colours

Posted on October 15th, 2009

Well most of us will be familiar with some or several Acers (Japanese Maples) but here are some interesting varieties which will special appeal to many gardeners especially if you are on the look-out for small trees. These varieties are quite simply amazing, with striking colourful displays they can be planted in the ground or alternatively in large patio containers.

As a general rule, Maples/Acers are a little vunerable, they do require some protection from strong winds but otherwise are very content if planted in a sheltered spot ie sun/half shade. These varieties are also deciduous, and as Acers do not like pruning, select a spot which allows plant to comfortably reach normal height and spread.  Apart from some basic ground preparation, mix in some compost and fertiliser with planting soil and water regularly until the plant becomes established, they are otherwise trouble free.

Here are 3 great varieties with all the magic of Maples:

Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku'
Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’

Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ has attractive coral-red branches in winter, leaves turn soft yellow in autumn. Sangokaku can grow to 2m.

Acer palmatum 'Sumi nagashi'
Acer palmatum ‘Sumi nagashi’

 Acer palmatum ‘Sumi nagashi’ is a small (reaching 3m) growing, round headed tree. Large 7-lobed leaves, rich dark purple in spring becoming deep maroon in summer. Autumn colours are crimson and red.

Acer palmatum 'Red Pygmy'
Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’

Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’ is a slow growing (up to 1.5m), densely branched form with linear foliage, dark red in spring, turning blue-green and golden yellow in autumn.