Acer japonicum Green Cascade

Acer japonicum 'Green Cascade' is a remarkable variety of Japanese maple, awarded for its ornamental qualities. It has a modest size and a rounded and weeping habit, which is truly elegant. Its laciniate foliage is deeply cut and has a beautiful emerald green colour in spring and summer, equally elegant. In autumn, it displays superb shades of yellow, orange, and crimson red. This exceptional variety has received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society and was part of the Courson recommendations in 2002.

Like all maples, Acer japonicum belongs to the aceraceae family. Native to Japan, this small tree is perfectly hardy, but does not tolerate high temperatures or windy exposures well. It is vigorous and more resistant to drought and full sun than its cousin, Acer palmatum. It has the same preferences for filtered sunlight and non-calcareous, humus-bearing, well-drained soil that remains moist, especially in summer. The more acidic the soil, the more intense the foliage colouration will be.

The 'Green Cascade' Japanese maple is a very hardy small tree that tolerates small amounts of limestone in the soil better than most Acer palmatum. It has a very slow growth and over time, it develops a beautiful rounded and pendulous habit, wider than it is tall. At maturity, it reaches about 2.10 m in height and 3 m in width, but only 1 m in height at 10 years old. Its almost horizontal branches bear magnificent deciduous, circular leaves that can measure up to 15 cm in length and 10 cm in width. They are carried by red petioles and their edges are divided into 9 to 11 lobes. The inconspicuous yellow-green flowers bloom in April-May, depending on the climate. The flowers, grouped in small upright clusters, produce fruits with curved wings, called samaras, which are initially green and turn crimson red when ripe. This variety has a smooth, grey-brown bark.

The 'Green Cascade' Japanese maple is compact, yet sculptural: it is perfect for small gardens, as well as for decorating terraces, patios, and shaded rockeries. To fully appreciate its habit and foliage, it should be planted as a specimen. It can also be placed at the back of borders behind azaleas, pieris, rhododendrons, wild camellias, and heathers. If you have enough space, you can also mix several varieties of Japanese maples to vary the colours and structures of the foliage, the effect is always stunning at the end of the season.

Tips: Treat with Bordeaux mixture to prevent Verticillium attacks.