Acer Palmatum- the Japanese Maple

Any fans of this beautiful species? They're sbout 300 cultivars of the genus. Japanese Maple trees are a type of ornamental that I fell in love with in a big way about 17 years ago and bought at least 40 specimens over the years. Some of my favorites are Sango Kaku, or the Coral Bark Maple and Shishi Gashira, or Lion's Mane Maple.

 

Sango Kaku has Coral branches with chartreuse leaves that turn yellow in autumn... Striking! And Shishi Gashira has tight Tufts of emerald foliage. I love this plant!

Anyone else?

 

I bought a Palmatum Atropurpureum (Purple Japanese Maple) last year from the local supermarket.

 

I just love Acers and me and @Kazzawazza know a friend who as some beauties in his back garden ...I nearly brought a green one from morrisons only young last year for £7-99 and thought where can I put it, I do know one would look nice where my weeping willow is in the front garden but that's a lovely well established plant and would be a shame to remove it but it's in memorial also of losing my dad.

 

They have leaf patterns from thick to lace and growth habits from compact (3') to very tall (30'). Colors are all over the spectrum. There are styles for any and all that enjoy this beautiful tree/shrub.

They generally are slow growers.

 

I love Japanese Maple but I had no idea there were so many varieties available.

 

Carolyn take your pic...there's some lovely beauties out there in height and size

http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Sapindaceae/Acer/

 

I am glad to know you are a Japanese maple enthusiast Catdaddy! I love the coral bark maple. I first saw it in be Boston Arboretum some years back.
I have several young ones growing in my garden. Too small yet to make a statement.

 

One of my favourite trees. I bought a very young sapling from Morrison’s, wow, must be twenty years ago now. I had it in my front lawn where I could watch it change through the seasons.

When I moved here 12 months ago I had to leave it behind due to how it had grown so thick a trunk and branches and tall. My friend lives next door to that bungalow and the Acer was cut up and binned, their excuse it took light from the lounge...
K

 

Yeah, I get it Kate. Sad. Different strokes for different folks.

 

Kate sorry to hear that mate and I mean it because Acers are so adorable and make lovely scenery in any ones garden

 

I grow mine in a large pot.

 

They can make beautiful bonsai... In a small pot.