Acer palmatum Beni-Komachi - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum Beni-komachi is a variety of Japanese Maple that is elegant and delicate, adorned with delicate red foliage composed of tiny finely cut leaves. The foliage starts off a lovely pinkish-red in spring, darkens to various shades of burgundy-purple in summer, and finally turns a strongly marbled red-brown in autumn. This small tree has a compact yet airy habit and can be somewhat delicate to grow. However, it deserves to be showcased for its infinitely graceful appearance in the centre of a heather bed or in a large pot on the terrace.

Originally from eastern China, Korea, and Japan, Acer palmatum is the origin of numerous horticultural varieties that compete in beauty. The Japanese Palmate Maple, like all maples, belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is relatively hardy but only tolerates lime-free soils.

The 'Beni-komachi' cultivar, with its slow growth, has a bushy and airy habit and does not exceed 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in all directions. This small tree has a brown to reddish-brown bark and develops very small deciduous leaves, 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 in) long, finely cut in the shape of palm leaves. In this Beni-komachi variety, the foliage has a wavy texture. It constantly changes colour, from pinkish-red in spring to red marbled with brown in autumn. The leaves are opposite, divided into five elongated and pointed lobes, strongly toothed on the edges. The discreet flowering takes place in May-June. The flowers, grouped in small clusters, sometimes produce some fruits with curved wings, called samaras, measuring 3 cm (1.2 in) long. This variety shows more interesting colours in a rather sunny exposure.

Acer palmatum Beni-komachi grows in a slightly acidic, fresh, fertile, loose, and well-drained soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded position sheltered from cold, dry winds and heavy rains. Compact yet truly elegant, this small tree is well suited for small gardens and for ornamenting terraces and patios. Azaleas, pieris, rhododendrons, wild camellias, and heathers will be its most beautiful companions. It can also be trained as a magnificent bonsai. Combine several varieties of Japanese maples to vary leaf colours and structures – the effect is always stunning at the end of the season. Purple foliage is enhanced by variegated or golden-yellow foliage. For example, choose a variegated white dogwood, a mock orange like Philadelphus coronarius Variegatus, or a golden honey locust.

Tip: Treat preventively with Bordeaux mixture in winter to prevent Verticillium attacks.