Japanese Maple Atropurpureum Acer palmatum C3 C2

Japanese Maple Atropurpureum (Acer palmatum) is a medium-sized shrub with a highly decorative, irregular habit and a dense, spreading crown. In the Polish climate it usually reaches 3–5 m in height and 2–3 m in width, which makes it a good choice where an elegant but not overly large ornamental plant is needed.

Its greatest asset is the foliage: five- to seven-lobed, finely cut and fan-shaped leaves in red and purple shades. Their colour changes through the season, and in autumn the plant becomes particularly striking. In May, red flowers appear, followed by winged fruits. The shoots are purple in colour, while the trunk is covered with smooth grey-brown bark.

Japanese Maple Atropurpureum has an exotic character and therefore needs a sunny or partially shaded position and humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The source description notes partial frost hardiness and frost hardiness zone 6, so in colder areas it is best placed in a sheltered spot. It looks best when allowed to stand out freely.

With its distinctive foliage and elegant outline, this Japanese maple combines well with plants of calmer green tones. It can be planted as a specimen in home gardens, near water features, or in compositions with evergreens and conifers that highlight its leaf colour.