Acer palmatum Dissectum Garnet - Japanese Maple

The Acer palmatum Dissectum Garnet, with its 3m (9 ft 10 in) height, is a very compact maple tree, with delicately cut dark red foliage that becomes brighter in autumn.

Originating from eastern China, Korea, and Japan, this hardy maple tree forms a spreading, rounded crown that is very compact, with drooping branches and red bark. It develops a magnificent deciduous foliage, dark red and then bright red in autumn, opposite, palmate, 5 to 10cm (2 - 3.9 in) long, deeply lobed and finely cut. The reddish flowers grouped in small clusters in April are insignificant, but the red fruits with curved wings, 3cm (1.2 in) long, are interesting from September.

The Acer palmatum Dissectum Garnet grows best in acidic, moist, fertile, loose, well-drained soil, in a partially shaded and protected position from cold and dry winds. High temperatures can cause leaf burn, which can make the leaves fall quickly. Mulch, water, and mist the foliage on hot evenings. Winter pruning is limited to balancing the branches. Treat against scale insects and verticillium wilt.

The Acer palmatum Dissectum Garnet is ideal as a standalone tree on a shaded lawn or to provide shade in heather beds, accompanied by azaleas, pieris, rhododendrons, and heathers. It can also be trained as a beautiful bonsai in a flat tray.