Acer palmatum Butterfly - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is a unique Japanese maple, with slow growth and small, finely-crafted pale green leaves margined with pink in spring and then cream-coloured in summer.

Originating from eastern China, Korea, and Japan, this hardy Japanese maple forms a spreading, rounded crown, with young drooping branches covered in reddish-brown bark. It develops small deciduous foliage, pale green with pink margins in spring and then cream-coloured when mature. The leaves are opposite, palmate, 3 cm to 5 cm (1.2 in to 2 in) long, and divided into 5 finely-crafted lobes. The pretty reddish flowers grouped in small clusters in April are insignificant, but the red fruits with curved wings, 3 cm (1.2 in) long, are interesting from September onwards.

Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' grows best in acidic, moist, fertile, flexible, well-drained soil, in a partly shaded and protected position from cold and dry winds. It does not tolerate limestone, heavy soils, and waterlogged soils in winter. High temperatures can cause leaf burn, which causes foliage to fall quickly. Mulch the soil if necessary and spray the foliage on hot evenings. Winter pruning should be limited to balancing the branches. Treat against scale insects and Verticillium.

Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is ideal as a solitary tree on a shaded lawn or as shade for ericaceous beds accompanied by azaleas, pieris, rhododendrons, and heathers. It can also make a magnificent bonsai to be grown in a flat dish.