Planting a Japanese maple

There’s an Acer palmatum for every garden, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

A RED-LEAVED Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’) has been close to the top of my garden wish list for a very long time.

They are wonderful trees, and because they are compact and slow-growing they are perfect for small gardens and containers.

Then, of course, you have their gorgeous glowing autumn colours that range from green through the spectrum of yellow, orange, scarlet and deep maroon red.

Now my wish has come true and I’m the proud owner of a healthy little Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’. Because we have precious little room in our borders, I’ve potted it up and placed it somewhere sheltered for winter.

Acer leaves can be scorched and shrivelled by hard sun (though red-leaved varieties need some sun to develop their full colour) and as there is precious little shade in the garden, at least I can keep it out of the full glare and enjoy watching its stunning colours change through the seasons.