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Japanese maples varieties advice

a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
in Plants
I’ve never had much joy with Japanese maples (on an open, dry, windy site!) but now I have more suitable conditions I’d like to invest in some. 
Soil is great, slightly acidic. No morning sun, sheltered and light shade. 
I’d like ones that grow into trees, not the ones like little humps. I don’t need to keep them small. The nursery I’m buying from is not a specialist but has maybe 30 to choose from, but can order in others. 
Thanks for any advice. 

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Acer palmatum dissectum-
    Spring

    Autumn




    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    edited June 2022
    Wow! They have that one in stock. 

    Do you know how old that one is P8 ?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Yes - I bought it as a 6ft twig about 30 years ago.
    It faces due south and seems very happy on my slightly acid clay soil.
    I don't feed it or water it, but sometimes need to prune bits off (in the dead of winter) where it overhangs the footpath.
    This year it seems to have put on an extra burst of energy and has decided to smother the little pittosporums I planted..


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    Pretty slow growing then, but I shall certainly get one, thanks for the pics. 

    I wonder if any are a bit faster. 
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    The ordinary palmatum varieties tend to grow faster and bigger (bigger leaves faster growth). When looking at various ones look for height and spread in 10 years that will give a guide as to the expected rate of growth.  E.g Acer palmatum bloodgood, is a robust modern red leaved cultivar that grows up to 10m (30+ ft) Sango kaku is a popular green leaved one with brilliant red stems, grows to 8m tall 6m wide at top holds the RHS award of garden merit.
    There are literally hundreds to choose from.
    AB Still learning

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328


    I'd second Sango-kaku - gorgeous yellow autumn colour, as well as those pinky-red stems in winter.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
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