These are grown generally for their large variety of attractive forms, leaf shapes and spectacular colours.
Acer palmatum is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching heights of 6 to 1 m., often growing as an under plant in shady woodlands. It may have multiple trunks joining close to the ground. In habit, its canopy often takes on a dome-like form, especially when mature. The leaves are long and wide, palmate, lobed with five, seven, or nine acutely pointed lobes.
Acer palmatum
They are particularly suitable for bonsai because the root systems are compact and not invasive. Trees are prone to die during periods of drought and prefer consistent water conditions; more established trees are less prone to drought. Trees should be watered regularly and in very hot conditions mulched or put in shade. Well-drained soil is essential as they will not survive in soggy waterlogged soil. Trees do not require or appreciate heavy fertilization and should only be lightly fertilized, preferably using slow-release fertilizer with a 3 to 1 ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus respectively.
Suitable for most styles in a large variety of forms including upright, broom, weeping, cascading, groups etc. but are not successful as literati.
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Acer palmatum ‘Deshojo’
Acer palmatum ‘Kyohime’
Acer palmatum ‘Seigen’
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